SENIOR ESTIMATOR

TORONTO

WSP is currently seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Transportation System’s Rail and Transit team, located in Toronto. Reporting to the Project Manager, this position will be responsible for preparing a wide range of estimates to support a portfolio of projects in Rail & Transit including cost estimates for feasibility studies, pre-design reports and final engineer’s estimates. This includes preparing cost breakdown documents, quantity surveys, and reports on deviations from interim milestone estimates and tender results. You will understand the principles of estimating and the relationships between the project controls functions – estimating, planning/scheduling and cost control.

As a member of the Rail Systems Engineering team, the candidate will be given the opportunity to define processes and execute plans across multiple projects. Management will support the candidate in developing work plans to become a strong leader in the consulting environment.

A day in the life:

• Preparing order-of-magnitude, conceptual, feasibility, pre-development, value engineering, control, definitive, Engineer’s, major change orders, claims analysis and budget estimates for all project work carried the department;
• Preparing the above-described cost estimates for trackwork, signaling, traction power, security, safety and control systems, depot equipment and operating system elements related to rapid transit, commuter and heavy rail for new construction, repair, and renovation projects;
• Performing detailed analyses of contract specifications and drawings to identify errors, discrepancies and/or ambiguities;
• Review and understand key aspects of design documents, request for proposals, project and contract specifications, drawings, attend design development meetings and make site visits to define the scope of work and cost impacts required of the estimate process.
• Preparing an itemized list of contract payment items as cost breakdowns, price schedules, and upon which interim contract payments are predicated;
• Preparing detailed quantity surveys for all trades from contract drawings and specifications;
• Costing of construction items based on database information;
• Preparing “basis of estimate” for inclusion into reports;
• Assisting in the preparation of cash flows by providing cost breakdowns and quantities of major work items on projects within the client’s budget;
• Analyzing cost breakdowns and price schedules submitted by the contractors after tender closing, and recommending adjustment of monies within the total tender sum to ensure a balanced bid;
• Providing information used in the preparation of reports justifying variations between the Engineer’s estimate, the Contractor’s cost breakdown and total contract sum;
• Preparing and maintaining current construction cost data based on historical costs, market research and construction cost indices and application of computerized estimating system;
• Preparing fixed facility replacement cost reports for all client-owned property, buildings and structures;
• Providing construction information to the project management teams for inclusion in construction schedules;
• Liaising with Project Managers, Senior Project Engineers, Senior Contract Administrators, Construction staff, Managers, other client divisions and external agencies, Superintendents, Supervisors and Section Heads to obtain facts and information pertinent to the performance of work;
• Reviewing and commenting on foreign estimates to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and consistency within the estimating guidelines;
• Preparing reports on variances, tender comparisons, post bid analysis, basis of estimates, cost reduction strategies and remedial measures;
• Maintaining files and records of work performed by the department;
• Other duties as assigned/required.

We’d love to hear from you if you have ...

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related engineering discipline from an accredited University that is recognized in Canada;
• Certification for Estimating/ Cost Professional CEP/CCP is a must;
• Registration and professional certification in associated organizations or institutions such as O.A.C.E.T.T., O.I.Q.S and A.A.C.E. would be an asset;
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in a large engineering and/or general contracting firm specializing in large, multi-faceted projects;
• Proven skills in the application of practices and procedures involved in the estimating function are essential as is the preparation of estimates for all trades and disciplines involved in complex construction projects;
• Proven hands-on experience in the preparation of all ranges of estimates from feasibility study to definitive;
• Understanding of the Capital Budget process and the budgeting methodology dealing with cash flow and escalation indices;
• Exposure to project management procedures as they apply to the transit industry would be an asset;
• Must be computer literate with an understanding of computer-based estimating, electronic spread sheet, data base and other computerized applications related to the work;
• Must possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills combined with sound judgement and initiative;
• Must be self-motivated and able to communicate clearly and confidently both verbally and in writing.