Engineer in Training / Junior Estimator

at  Valard Group of Companies

Valard Construction LP is one of Canada’s largest powerline contractors, serving clients in both public & private sectors. We offer construction services in overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems, substations, fibre optics, as well as substation and transmission foundations.
An Estimator is responsible for compiling cost estimates to a client or potential client with products or services. He or she will do this by working out how much a project is likely to cost and create budgets accordingly. The job involves assessing material, labor and equipment required and analyzing different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers.
An estimator might work from a bill of quantities or just a set of drawings from the client. Estimators provide prices for everything from a one-off scheme to maintenance projects which will be completed over several years.
An estimator is concerned with getting the best price that will win the contract in a competitive bidding situation, while ensuring that the contract can be carried out profitably. The best price isn’t always the lowest one, and clients now award contracts based on quality of the service offered, as well as cost.

KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS:

• B.Sc. degree in Engineering, Management Certificate, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education
• 1 - 3 years estimating, cost control and/or engineering experience in projects ranging from $1M to $50M.
• Experience within an electrical construction role an asset
• Understanding of construction documents and the ability to assess the level of completeness.
• Has developed technical knowledge of estimating practices, techniques and equipment.
• Accurate data input and calculating skills.
• Knowledge of construction costs and budgets, ability to develop a project schedule.
• Solid computer skills; Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Project and Excel.
• Able to read drawings and specifications.
• The ability to work in a team environment.
• Able to communicate well in both written and oral form.
• Ability to validate proposals, manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify problems/issues, looks beyond the immediate problem to the wider implications and generates possible solutions.
• Verifiable work references demonstrating exceptional skills and achievements including:
• A high level of professionalism; Dependable, results-focused and ethical
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and planning skills
• Strong customer service
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Capable of adapting information/style to the audience, explains difficult information clearly and influences and persuades others towards consensus agreement in straightforward situations.

• Assemble estimates from various sources into a complete and final estimate for the company with Engineering support as required.
• Develop an understanding of indirect and conceptual estimating techniques and theories.
• Review and validate outsourced estimates with support from engineer.
• Review and incorporate historical data from estimates received, contracts awarded by the EPC Contractor and final actual project costs into Valard’s cost model.
• Format estimates in Owners Reporting format.
• Reviewing and understanding of the Design Basis, Engineering Design Documents, and Basis of Estimate.
• Develops complete estimates on selected projects consisting of project site visit, quantity take-off, pricing, and presentation of the estimate for cost engineering and management review.
• Provide estimating input on complex “conceptual” transmission projects.
• Provides guidance for non-estimating personnel on their estimating related requirements.
• Attend and assist in project planning sessions and team meetings to provide estimating input.
• Interface and communicate effectively (written and oral) with the estimating team, with all levels of management, clients and industry contacts; contacts and develops business relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing within estimates.
• Develop or assist in the development of general and project specific plans for execution, sequencing, and logistics; including, when required, construction and work procedures for specific activities related to a bid.
• Develop or assist in the development of preliminary project schedules.
• Perform additional assignments per supervisor’s direction.