Estimator, Engineering, Civil Engineering

Help Shape the Future of Scottish Canals

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Estimator to join our Engineering & Assets Directorate Asset Management Team, based in Falkirk, Glasgow or Inverness, with hybrid working arrangements available.

This is one of two newly created roles reporting to the Contracts Manager and supporting the delivery of Scottish Canals’ investment programmes across our nationally significant infrastructure network. You will provide specialist estimating, cost planning and commercial support across a diverse portfolio of engineering and asset management projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with Project Managers, Engineers and Construction Managers to develop robust cost estimates, support procurement activities and contribute to effective commercial management throughout the project lifecycle. You will also play a key role in developing and maintaining Scottish Canals’ engineering cost database, helping to inform future investment planning and decision-making.

Working across a varied range of assets including reservoirs, canals, bridges, aqueducts, locks, embankments, water control structures and mechanical and electrical infrastructure, this role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to projects that protect and enhance Scotland’s canal network for future generations.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and cost plans for capital investment and maintenance projects.
• Produce quantity take-offs from engineering drawings, specifications and other technical documentation.
• Support tendering and procurement activities, including cost evaluations and tender analysis.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract documentation.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and provide commercial reporting and analysis.
• Develop, maintain and enhance Scottish Canals’ engineering cost database and benchmarking information.
• Support lifecycle cost modelling, asset investment planning and long‑term funding strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases, investment appraisals and funding applications.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, project teams and external suppliers to develop accurate and robust cost information.
• Assist in the development of commercial reporting tools and data visualisation solutions, including Power BI.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to estimating processes, cost planning methodologies and commercial controls.
• Ensure all estimating activities are undertaken in accordance with…