Civil Construction, Estimator
The Work We Bid Today Becomes the Infrastructure People Rely on Tomorrow
At Harbour Construction, our Estimators help build the projects that support communities across Nova Scotia. From underground water and sewer systems to roads, earthworks, and municipal infrastructure, the work we bid today becomes the infrastructure people rely on tomorrow.
We're looking for an Estimator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, planning ahead, and turning complex construction information into accurate and competitive bids.
The successful candidate will have a solid foundation in construction estimating and be looking to continue building their knowledge, experience, and long-term career within the civil construction industry.
Why Harbour Construction?
Harbour Construction has been building infrastructure across Nova Scotia since 1946.
We've built a reputation for delivering quality work, investing in our people and equipment.
Culture here is not something we talk about—it's something you experience. It shows up in how our teams work together, how our leaders lead, and how people take pride in the work they do every day
Our estimators work closely with project managers, superintendents and field crews to develop estimates grounded in real-world construction experience.
Construction can be an industry where people move frequently from company to company. Harbour is different. We have employees who have built entire careers here. We invest in people for the long term and create opportunities for growth and advancement from within.
We're continuing to strengthen our estimating team and are looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
What You'll Do
- Prepare detailed cost estimates and bid submissions for civil construction and infrastructure projects.
- Review drawings, specifications, tender documents, and addenda.
- Complete quantity take-offs and pricing for labour, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and project overhead.
- Coordinate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Analyze labour, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs to support accurate bid pricing.
- Work closely with operations teams to validate construction methods, sequencing, productivity assumptions, and project risks.
- Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings as required.
- Identify project risks, opportunities, assumptions, and constructability considerations.
- Coordinate multiple tenders and submission deadlines simultaneously.
- Maintain organized estimating documentation and historical pricing information.
- Support successful project handovers following contract award.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Demonstrated experience preparing construction estimates and bid submissions.
- Strong understanding of estimating fundamentals, cost development, and tender preparation.
- Ability to independently review drawings, specifications, and tender documents and identify scope requirements, risks, and pricing considerations.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, productivity, labour, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Assets
- Experience estimating civil construction, infrastructure, underground utilities, road construction, earthworks, or municipal projects.
- Experience with bidding software.
- Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, or related education.
- Knowledge of municipal and provincial tendering processes.
Who Will Be Successful in This Role
- Has a strong foundation in construction estimating and wants to continue developing their expertise.
- Enjoys learning and expanding their knowledge of civil construction methods, costs, and project delivery.
- Can independently manage assigned estimating responsibilities while knowing when to seek input from the team.
- Is highly organized and proactive, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and deadlines.
- Takes pride in producing accurate, well-supported work.
- Understands that estimating is both a technical and operational function.
- Works well within a small, high-performing team where collaboration, accountability, and communication matter.
What We Offer
- A salary you can be proud of.
- Health and dental benefits.
- Company-matched RRSP program.
- Stable, year-round employment.
- Opportunities to build your knowledge, experience, and career within the civil construction industry.
- The opportunity to work on meaningful infrastructure projects that improve communities across Nova Scotia.
- A team environment where people support one another and work toward a common goal.
Pay: From $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- How many years of estimating experience do you have in civil construction, heavy civil, underground utilities, roadbuilding, or infrastructure projects?
- Do you have experience preparing quantity take-offs from construction drawings and specifications?
- Which types of projects have you estimated?
- Which estimating software have you previously used?
- Have you been responsible for developing or contributing to competitive tender submissions?
- Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
- Do you have experience working with Canadian construction tendering processes, specifications, and contract documents?
Work Location: In person
