Estimator – HVAC/Sheet Metal

Role Summary

We are seeking a Piping/Plumbing Estimator to join our team in Ottawa! This role works within the project team to prepare, assemble, and submit budget pricing of all sizes and scope for the project specifically. The Estimator is responsible for preparing, recording, and maintaining pricing while assisting the management team to understand and quantify the budgets required to pursue construction projects.

By breaking scope into logical areas and developing detailed labour and cost breakdowns, the Estimator establishes the foundation for successful project execution and ensures accurate turnover of estimating information to the execution team once the project has been approved by the client.

Why This Role Matters

Accurate and well‑structured estimates are critical to Modern Niagara’s ability to secure work and deliver successful projects. This role supports competitive bidding while ensuring cost clarity, scope alignment, and a smooth transition from estimating to execution.

Key Impact / Purpose

The Estimator provides reliable cost information and clear scope definition that enables project teams to execute work efficiently once awarded. The quality of the estimate directly impacts project performance, communication, and financial outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review project specifications and complete quantity take-offs for labor, equipment, and materials to ensure accurate pricing.
• Estimate and create accurate proposals for specific scope of work within the project.
• Identify innovative solutions to solve client’s problems ultimately resulting in improvements or cost-saving incentives.
• Meet with customers & clients to better understand their needs and requirements.
• Meet with Modern Niagara suppliers to foster relationships and negotiate pricing.
• Provide technical support to Modern Niagara’s internal teams such as Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and VDC teams.
• Generate project plans, and communication plans, and facilitate project hand-off meetings for all relevant project partners once the project has been approved by the client.
• Liaise with Project Managers and ensure all relevant information is shared and understood.

Must‑Haves

• 2+ years of extensive, practical, and successful experience preparing cost estimates and proposals for HVAC/sheet metal in both the subcontractor and prime contractor capacity.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction drawings and documents
• Experience with estimating software including Trimble, AutoBid, Bluebeam, and ProCore
• Strong understanding of specifications, construction methods, and procedures
• Ability to prepare accurate proposals under pressure and within customer deadlines
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong focus on Excel
• Eligibility to obtain Government of Canada security clearance. This requirement is tied to project‑specific access.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Experience with commercial and institutional projects

This is a new position. Expected annual compensation; $65,00 - $100.000.

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, and electrical 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.