Junior Utility Estimator Jobs

Black & McDonald’s Utility Division offers our clients a wide range of installation and maintenance services for their outdoor electrical systems. A sample of these services include street lighting, traffic signals, electronic message signs, EV charging stations, overhead and underground power distribution, erection of roadway signage, excavation and site development, and concrete equipment foundations/oil containment to name a few. Clients include: Nova Scotia Power Inc., Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, and Michelin Canada.
About This Career Opportunity
The Junior Utility Estimator will report directly to the Estimating Department Manager, working within the Estimating Department located at 60 Cutler Avenue, Dartmouth, NS. The successful candidate will work on and/or contribute to a full range of Utility projects in the industrial, commercial, government, and institutional markets.
Black & McDonald is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging diverse candidates and those living with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

• Prepare labour, material, and equipment estimates for construction projects based on tender documentation, schematic drawings and specifications,
• Compile proposal submission in accordance with tender requirements,
• Seek clarification on missing/ incomplete information and monitor for scope change during the estimating period,
• Participate in a lessons learned sessions with project staff to discuss successes and identify areas for improvement.
• Reviews tender documents, with support from the Estimating Manager, to determine project requirements,
• Collaborate with field staff on execution methodology to ensure accuracy of estimate,
• Perform pre-bid site visits to collect important information for estimate development,
• Steward bid review meetings with Management to communicate scope, costs, and estimate assumptions,
• Work with Project Managers and Field Staff upon contract award to familiarize them with the proposal and provide support as required if change orders are identified,
• Develop small to medium size utility estimates, or components of larger estimates,
• Liaise with owners, consultants, general contractors, subtrades and suppliers, seeking clarification and/or input for the estimate,

Qualifications

• Possess effective verbal and written communication skills,
• Exceptional organization and time management skills, stewarding to multiple deadlines,
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment,
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications,
• Ability to obtain security clearances for visiting classified worksites.
• Civil or Electrical Engineering graduate; related work-term experience considered an asset,
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Projects),

What To Expect
In your first week, expect to:

• Meet our staff and learn about each division within Black & McDonald
• Be prepared to listen and learn! Complete our online orientation which introduces candidates to Black & McDonald, our policies and procedures and WHMIS training.
• Set-Up your workstation

In Your First Month, Expect To

• Shadow senior estimators on site visits to understand the beginning stages of estimate development.
• Participate in Utility bid review meetings to observe estimate inputs/assumption and tie it back to what you’re learning in the field,
• Become familiar with applicable Union Agreements and Master Service Agreements to ensure estimates are developed in accordance with these important documents,
• Meet with the Utility Division Manager to gain an understanding of Division objectives,
• Spend time in the field! Become familiar with Utility Division team members and services they provide
• Spend time with the Estimating Manager to gain an understanding of role expectations and estimating processes,

In Your First Three Months, Expect To

• Develop estimates for small civil scopes, working closely with the Civil Superintendent to build on knowledge gained in the field
• Complete Accubid training, our estimate software
• Shadow Utility Project Manager to learn more about electrical estimating components of Utility (i.e. street lighting and traffic loops).