Job Description

The piping estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate tender prices from the available information such as drawings, specifications, and addenda or from the quality of items supplied by the client. Tenders include lump sum, guaranteed maximum price format, or unit rate pricing. The Estimator will be responsible to prepare, record and maintain pricing and assist the management team in the ongoing pursuit and acquisition of new work.

Why This Role Matters to Modern Niagara

The piping estimator is critical in shaping the success and profitability of future projects. Every construction job begins with an estimate, and the accuracy, insight, and strategy embedded in that estimate can determine whether the company wins the work and how effectively it is delivered. This role brings together technical knowledge, market awareness, and analytical skill to interpret drawings, anticipate costs, and build comprehensive financial models that project teams rely on. By attending site visits, preparing budgets, reviewing cost reports, and participating in turnover meetings, the estimator also helps build a bridge between preconstruction and execution, ensuring smooth transitions and realistic planning. Ultimately, the Piping Estimator plays a foundational role in the company’s growth: supporting strong bids, informed decision‑making, and successful project outcomes from day one.

Key Impact / Purpose

• Establish accurate and competitive costing that drives successful pursuits
• Strengthen project foundations through detailed, insightful cost analysis
• Build strategic advantage through market awareness and strong relationships

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performing quantity takeoffs including entry into a computerized estimating system
• Preparation, final review, and submission of Bid Documents to ensure all bid requirements are met
• Assemble all elements of an estimate including labour, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• The ability to prepare takeoffs using drawings and documents that may be less than 100% complete
• Understand the labour variances between project types and apply appropriate correction factors
• Provide detailed labour breakdowns for each area to assist with budget creation and management of the project
• Prepares budgets for prospective projects
• Attend and participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, and post-bid meetings as required
• Participate in estimating turnover meetings with the project team to assist planning and budget process
• Establish strong relationships with suppliers and sub-trades to ensure sound and competitive pricing is received
• Reviewing project to develop win strategy
• Reviewing final cost report with the project team and develop for historical information
• Interpret design information and have the ability to “draw in” services and equipment in order to make for a complete system
• Timing of all duties and responsibilities as set-up by the Estimating Policy and/or reviewed during estimating meetings
• Maintain tendering documents on our tender distribution platform
• Maintain estimate tracking information on internal programs and sheets
• Prepare prequalification documents for submission

Must-haves:

• Works effectively in a team environment
• Strong understanding of specifications, construction methods, and procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication, time management, and multi-tasking in order to prioritize workload and stay on top of things as project demands increase
• Self-motivated with strong willingness and ability to learn and be challenged
• Ability to calculate mathematical extensions, analyze and understand construction drawings, associated documentation, contracts, cost coding systems, and work breakdown structures
• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Access, Project) and familiarity with a computerized estimating system an asset
• Excellent organizational and decision making/problem-solving skills

Nice-to have:

• Experience in commercial and institutional projects is an asset
• Experience in the piping trade will be considered and highly desirable

This is a new position. Salary range for this position is $58,000 - $80,000

Modern Niagara offers a competitive total compensation package including:

• Performance based bonus opportunities
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with a generous employer contribution
• Flexible Health and Dental benefits with tiered options to meet the needs of you and your family
• An annual health spending account to support your overall wellness
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program with access to comprehensive resources and professional services
• A competitive vacation package with additional vacation granted throughout your tenure with the organization.
• Employer Paid Parental Leave Top Up
• Annual Community Day dedicated to volunteering and giving back to the communities where we live and work
• Corporate Discounts through various vendors across Canada for programs such as fitness, mobile phones, travel, home and auto insurance and many others
• Here at Modern Niagara, because we know our people are the best in the industry, we pride ourselves on providing a total compensation package that rewards employees for their hard work and supports employees and their families in their overall wellbeing.

About Modern Niagara

Who We Are
Modern Niagara helps building owners, managers, and general contractors meet the mechanical, electrical, integrated building technology, and building services needs of their buildings across Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Southwestern Ontario, and Ottawa.

We are committed to having a positive and meaningful impact on Canada’s infrastructure — and on the communities where we live, learn, work, and heal. We build for life.

Our Culture & Values
We value passion, initiative, determination, professionalism, and teamwork.

Health and safety are embedded in everything we do, and our award-winning safety culture consistently performs well above industry standards.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Modern Niagara
We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone has access to opportunity, feels a sense of belonging, and can thrive.

We actively work to remove barriers faced by members of equity-seeking groups (including women, Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada) in the construction industry.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are committed to a barrier-free hiring process.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@modernniagara.com so we can make appropriate arrangements.

We appreciate every applicant’s interest in joining Modern Niagara. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.