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Chief Estimator

Vancouver, BC

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!


As a Canadian leader in infrastructure development, Aecon is safely and sustainably building what matters for future generations to thrive! We lead some of the most impactful infrastructure projects of our generation, at the forefront of transformational change in transportation and energy, and partnering every day to build, connect, power, and strengthen our communities.


At Aecon, You Can Count On


  • Safety First. Our number one core value. If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it at all.
  • Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
  • Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
  • Inclusion. We provide equitable opportunities for everyone.


We lead the infrastructure industry with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. So, we invest in our people, just like they invest in us!


At Aecon We


  • Ensure you and your family receive the services needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being
  • Believe in helping you build your career through our Aecon University and Leadership Programs
  • Are committed to supporting and investing in inclusive work environments, through initiatives like Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training, our Aecon Women in Trades and Aecon Diversity in Trades programs, and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to ensure we are building inclusion into every aspect of our culture at Aecon.
  • Are a leader in sustainable construction. With a strong commitment to operating responsibility by minimizing our impact on the environment and surrounding communities.


Our business success relies on strong execution and continuous improvement – driven by the diversity, expertise and teamwork of our people. We’re always searching the globe for innovative, collaborative minds to join our best-in-class Aecon community!


Position Overview


Safe. Trusted. Respected. Aecon Civil is a market leader with a self-perform competitive advantage and core local strength in key markets. We’re proud of our work helping to expand and improve Canada’s infrastructure and transportation networks, and we’re ready to build the future of our country. With over a century of experience, and the ability to offer diverse, comprehensive services, Aecon is a preferred contractor for our clients. This includes numerous public entities and Public-Private Partnerships in Canada and abroad.


Reporting to the Pre-Construction Director for Aecon’s Major Projects West division, the Chief Estimator will be involved in leading the bids for exciting, $100M+ heavy civil infrastructure projects in Western Canada. This position will be based at our downtown Vancouver office and will work as part of a larger team to deliver estimates of one or more bid tenders at one time. The successful applicant will have previous experience as a Chief Estimator, leading a team and a comprehensive understanding of civil construction including earthworks, bridges, concrete structures, highways, and tunnels as an estimator, project manager or project engineer. Candidates who wish to spend a period of time in estimating with the intention of following the project out to the field are welcome to apply.


Key Responsibilities


  • Responsible for the leadership, management, people development, mentorship, and training of estimating team.
  • Work collaboratively with Senior Operations Team, Pre-construction and Proposals teams.
  • Responsible for accuracy of bid cost to actual cost of work performed.
  • Analyzes documents, drawings, specifications, proposals, and addendums in preparation for pricing.
  • Performs any estimate related oral and/or written communications with clients.
  • Reviewing project site prior to price preparation.
  • Prepares and/or reviews project budgets at estimating close out to operations so cost reporting is impactful for future estimating needs.
  • Performs quantity take-off from construction drawings where applicable.
  • Obtains pricing from suppliers and Subcontractors, compiling information into estimate.
  • Formulates all costs for tender submission – labour, equipment, material, rentals, and subcontracts.
  • Oversees the distribution of appropriate documentation appropriately upon award of project.
  • Collaborates with Operations to drive project success and learning.
  • Performs Post Bid / Post Project Analysis completion and that associated learning and communication takes place.
  • Assists with RFP’s and General Contract tender submissions.
  • Assists with Prequalification submissions, RFQ’s and RFI’s as required.
  • Incorporates / complies with Aecon’s risk management policies and procedures.
  • Protects all forms of proprietary information.
  • Maintains Estimating data systems to ensure they are kept up to date.


Required Knowledge And Skills


  • Minimum 10 years of experience completing estimates for large civil construction projects, with minimum 5 years as Chief Estimator.
  • Extensive experience in heavy civil infrastructure.
  • University Degree, College Diploma or Trades Background– or equivalent experience.
  • Professional Engineer designation is an asset.
  • Ability to read and understand construction drawings and documents.
  • Good knowledge of job cost fundamentals for typical items and scopes where design and/or schematics have been provided.
  • Demonstrated computer software proficiency- MS Excel/Word.
  • Experience with estimating software is considered an asset.
  • Proven organizational skills.
  • Ability to time manage and formulate plans to meet multiple deadlines within a high-pressure work environment.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.
  • Adaptable to flexible work schedule when required to meet deadlines.


The expected pay range for this opportunity is $180,000 - $200,000.


Aecon fosters diversity , inclusion and belonging within and across our organization. We welcome all to apply including, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.


We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the implementation of the requirements of the ACA and its applicable regulations. If you require accommodation under the ACA during any step of the application process please click here.

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