Job Description

Job Title

: Lead Estimator - Earthworks & Civil

Location

: Calgary, Alberta (with travel to site as required)

Reports to

: VP Construction Services

Division

: Construction Services (Excavation Demolition Trenching Backfill)

About Us

Total Site Supplies is a one-stop partner for construction and event site services--handling everything from excavation, demolition and trenching to temporary infrastructure rentals (fencing, portable toilets, barricades, waste bins) and rural land services. As we continue to expand our Construction Services division, we are looking for a highly experienced Lead Estimator to drive the estimating function for our earthworks and civil scopes.

Role Summary

As Lead Estimator you will take full ownership of the estimating workflow for our civil scopes (excavation, trenching, backfill, heavy equipment, site preparation, rural land services) and support pre-planning in conjunction with project management and operations. You will develop accurate bids, interpret drawings, verify scope completeness, and drive the margin, risk and competitiveness of our proposals.

Key Responsibilities

Review project drawings, specs and site information to assess scope for excavation, demolition, trenching, backfill, rural grading, site infrastructure. Perform detailed quantity take-offs (materials, earth volumes, equipment hours, labour crews, subcontractors) and prepare bid summaries. Develop cost estimates including labour, equipment, subcontractor pricing, materials, consumables, mobilization and demobilization. Identify and assess risk items, contingency allowances and schedule impacts specific to earthworks/civil scopes. Coordinate with operations, equipment dispatch and field supervisors to validate resource assumptions and availability. Present and defend estimates to senior management and review past bid performance to refine estimating models. Maintain a library of cost data, equipment rates, subcontractor pricing, lessons learned from previous projects. Support pre-construction meetings, assist in value engineering, alternative methods and client presentations as required. Assist in handover to project delivery: ensure scope definition, mobilization readiness, estimating assumptions documented in project file. Mentor junior estimators or assistants (if applicable) and lead continuous improvement of estimating processes for the Construction Services division.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management or equivalent, or strong hands-on estimating experience in civil/earthworks. Minimum

5-7 years' experience

in estimating for earthworks/civil scopes (excavation, trenching, backfill, site grading, heavy equipment operations) within a construction company or heavy civil contractor. Expert proficiency in interpreting construction drawings and specifications (plan, profile, section views) and understanding of earthworks methodologies. Proven experience with quantity take-offs, cost estimating models, equipment production rates, labour/crew scheduling. Strong numerical, analytical and spreadsheet (Excel) skills; familiarity with estimating software is an asset. Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to interface with clients, operations, senior management and subcontractors. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple bids in parallel, meet deadlines under pressure. Valid Alberta driver's licence and willingness to travel to site locations as required.

Preferred Skills

Experience in rural land services (culverts, approach construction, pond/dugout builds) or event-site infrastructure is a plus. Familiarity with regional heavy equipment rates, ground conditions in southern Alberta, and local subcontractor market. Understanding of safety/regulatory requirements for demolition/excavation/trenching in Alberta (OHS) and how estimating must reflect safety planning. Experience mentoring others, process-improvement mindset, and ability to push standardisation across the estimating function.

What We Offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision) after probation period. Career growth path within a growing company and multi-division structure (Rentals / Construction Services / Rural Services). Dynamic role with exposure to a wide variety of civil scopes, heavy equipment and rural projects--no two days are the same. Highly-motivated, safety-first culture where your estimating work directly influences project success and company growth.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter with subject line

"Lead Estimator - Earthworks & Civil"

to tessa@totalsitesupplies.ca or apply via our website.
In your cover letter please reference a project you estimated (approximate size/value), the scope (excavation/trenching/backfill) and your role in developing the estimate.

If you like, I can

format this as a ready-to-post job ad

(for Indeed/LinkedIn) including key benefits and branding for Total Site Supplies. Would you like me to do that?

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00-$105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance Vision care
Work Location: In person