Estimator in Construction

Estimator in building

Location: Montreal

Job Type: Permanent, full-time

Sector: Construction, renovation, and disaster recovery

Compensation: $60,000 to $75,000, depending on experience and profile

Recruited by NexWav = trained and certified in AI. Every person we place receives the NexWav AI Accelerator Certification for free, a training worth $2,200 that leads to a named certificate and a sought-after skill in the market.

Job Summary

Our client is a well-established family business for nearly 30 years, specializing in disaster recovery, reconstruction, and environmental services. Recognized for its expertise, emergency service, and use of new technologies, the company is currently pursuing its growth and wishes to build a stronger estimating team.

As an estimator in building, you will analyze the work required following damage caused by water, fire, wind, or mold. You will prepare reconstruction estimates and remain responsible for the file until its approval by the client or insurer. This is not a traditional estimating role based solely on plans and specifications. You will need to regularly visit the sites, understand the scope of work, take necessary measurements, and defend your estimates to various stakeholders.

Main Responsibilities

• Visit sites to analyze damage and determine required reconstruction work.
• Take measurements, photos, samples, and necessary information for preparing estimates.
• Produce sketches and quantity take-offs.
• Prepare cost estimates for residential and commercial projects.
• Produce estimates using Xactimate or comparable software.
• Request and analyze prices from suppliers or subcontractors when required.
• Upload estimates into insurers' systems within established deadlines.
• Respond to questions from clients, claims experts, and insurance companies.
• Correct and modify estimates until final approval.
• Quickly process revision requests and changes required during the execution of work.
• Participate in weekly follow-up meetings with the project management team.
• Maintain clear follow-ups on the progress of files and ongoing priorities.
• Propose improvements to work methods and the estimating process.
• Contribute to a professional and efficient client experience.

The normal volume generally represents about five estimates per week, with some periods reaching up to ten estimates. Visits should normally be made quickly, and estimates should be uploaded within a maximum of seven days.

Desired Profile

• Minimum of one to three years of experience in estimating, construction, renovation, or a related environment.
• Good understanding of construction and interior renovation work.
• Ability to visualize the work required behind a wall, under a floor, or in a damaged space.
• Experience in disaster recovery is an asset.
• Knowledge of Xactimate is an asset.
• Bilingualism in French and English is required to communicate with French-speaking and English-speaking clients.
• Valid driver's license.
• Good proficiency with computer tools and digital platforms.
• The company remains open to a relatively junior profile that has a good foundation in construction, a genuine interest in estimating, and the potential to evolve quickly. Technical training may be offered internally.
• Attitude, curiosity, accountability, and the ability to learn will be as important as the number of years of experience.

What We Are Looking For

You are an organized, proactive person capable of managing multiple files simultaneously. You know how to structure your week between site visits, preparing estimates, and following up with insurers. You can meet tight deadlines, be accountable, and advance your files without needing constant follow-up. You must also be comfortable defending an estimate. Insurance companies may question certain quantities, prices, or work. Therefore, we are looking for a solid, professional person capable of receiving direct feedback without taking it personally. Leadership ability will be considered an important asset.

The company eventually wishes to further structure its estimating department and offer a possibility of evolution to a person who demonstrates the necessary potential.

Work Environment

The role combines office work and travel to disaster sites. The usual distribution is about 60% in the office and 40% on the road. The position will primarily be in-person during the first year to facilitate training, integration, and the construction of the estimating department. After this period, some flexibility may be offered depending on autonomy, performance, and team needs. Up to two days of remote work per week may be possible. Thursday remains the mandatory team day in the office. The regular schedule is 40 hours per week, generally from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. When a visit is scheduled, the estimator can leave directly from their home to the site. Overtime is rare in this role. During exceptional periods, such as a disaster or a sudden volume of claims, the company reorganizes resources and may use external support.

Benefits

• Company vehicle and gas card.
• Possibility of using personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement, depending on the situation.
• Cell phone provided.
• Computer or iPad provided.
• Three weeks of vacation.
• Possibility to participate in the group RRSP.
• Annual team activities.
• Technical training and internal support.
• Possibility of evolution towards a leadership role within the estimating department.
• Possibility to discuss a performance-related bonus structure depending on the profile.
• No collective medical or dental insurance currently.

Why NexWav

Your next job comes with an AI certification offered. Every talent placed by NexWav is enrolled in the NexWav AI Accelerator Certification, the same training that companies pay $2,200 per participant. For you: $0.

What is it exactly? A virtual cohort of 4 hours, a 15-question assessment with a passing threshold of 80%, and a deliverable applied to your own position. This is not a certificate of attendance. A person who fails is not certified.

What you receive: a named certificate, a LinkedIn badge, and applicable tools from your first weeks on the job. According to our surveys conducted with 60 participants in six cohorts, participants estimate gaining four hours of productivity per week. Cohorts are monthly. You are enrolled as soon as you sign your contract.

To Apply

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