Estimator

Job summary

Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for civil construction projects, including earthworks and underground utilities. Manage the entire estimating process from reviewing tender documents to liaising with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with project execution.

Job details

Join Our Team KLS Earthworks & Environmental is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our team in Calgary. We are looking for someone with civil construction estimating experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have a background in underground utility construction. Reporting to the Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for earthworks and underground utility projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working under tight deadlines, and has a strong understanding of construction methods, production rates, quantities, and costs. Established in 1990, KLS Earthworks & Environmental is a family-rooted company and a leader in excavation, earthworks, and environmental construction across Western Canada. Built on a foundation of safety and operational excellence, we deliver time- and cost-saving solutions through a modern fleet and a highly skilled team of professionals. At KLS, we value people who Help First, stay Hungry, are Willing to Learn, and remain Committed to doing the job right. What You’ll Do Prepare detailed estimates for civil construction projects, including underground utilities and earthworks Review drawings, specifications, contracts, tender documents, and project requirements to ensure complete scope coverage Complete quantity takeoffs and develop labour, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing Develop project execution strategies, assumptions, production rates, and schedules for tenders Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing Identify project risks, scope gaps, and potential cost-saving or value-engineering opportunities Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams throughout the estimating process Prepare and maintain accurate bid documentation and supporting information Manage multiple estimates and tender deadlines simultaneously Participate in project handover meetings and work with operations teams to ensure alignment between the estimate and project execution Assist with job cost reviews and post-project analysis to continuously improve estimating accuracy. Qualifications 3–5 years of estimating experience in civil construction, preferably underground utilities and/or earthworks Minimum 2 years of experience in underground construction Strong understanding of underground utility and earthworks construction methods, sequencing, production rates, quantities, and costs Experience estimating lump sum and unit rate projects Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and tender documents Experience with HeavyBid and AGTEK considered an asset Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, complete estimates Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work collaboratively with estimating, project management, and field operations teams. What we are Offering Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications Comprehensive benefits package starting on Day 1 Professional development and training opportunities Career advancement opportunities within a growing civil construction company Collaborative and supportive team environment Opportunity to work on a variety of underground utility and earthworks projects A strong safety-first culture where employees are valued and supported KLS Earthworks Inc. is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for civil construction projects, including earthworks and underground utilities. Manage the entire estimating process from reviewing tender documents to liaising with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with project execution.

Requirements

Requires 3-5 years of estimating experience in civil construction, with at least 2 years specifically in underground utility construction. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to interpret complex construction drawings and specifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package • Professional development • Training opportunities • Career advancement opportunities

Listed skills

• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• Critical Thinking · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Civil construction estimating
• Underground utility construction
• Earthworks
• Quantity takeoffs
• HeavyBid
• AGTEK
• Microsoft Office
• Excel
• Project scheduling
• Cost estimation
• Risk identification
• Value engineering
• Bid documentation
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Underground Utilities
• Excavation
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Quantity Take-Offs
• Project Implementation
• Willingness To Learn
• Construction Estimating
• Architectural Drawing
• Construction
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Operational Excellence
• Operations
• Project Risk Management
• Subcontracting
• Value Engineering
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Management & Leadership
• Estimator
• Valuers and Loss Assessors
• Cost Estimators