Program Estimator, Project Management Office

Requisition ID: 4086
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Department/ Branch: Project Management Office & Facility Services
Job Location: Fort McMurray

Starting Salary Range*: $129,438 - $136,834 (Pay Band G)
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 07/03/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): Open Until Filled
Posting Type: Internal and External

*The Municipality offers a competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary, excellent benefits, retirement plans, and more. The starting salary for this position is within the range listed above and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Building the future while taking care of today.

The Project Management Office & Facilities Services at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is where strategy meets stewardship. This team drives progress through innovative project delivery while ensuring our municipal facilities remain safe, sustainable, and efficient. From leading large-scale initiatives that shape the region’s growth to managing the day-to-day operations of the spaces our community depends on, the team plays a vital role in supporting residents, staff, and partners.

If you’re motivated by the challenge of balancing long-term vision with practical solutions and you thrive in an environment that values coordination, communication, and results this is where you can make a lasting impact.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under limited supervision, the Program Estimator, Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of full probable cost estimates for the Municipality’s projects and initiatives within the PMO department, including materials, equipment and labour. The incumbent provides project management stewardship; identifies, supports, and advises on the resolution of difficult project control issues and project resource utilization; and defines, maintains, and ensures project management standards with the aim of creating efficiencies between projects and successful project delivery. Primary responsibilities include:

Program Cost Estimating: Provide cost estimation analysis and recommendations for PMO projects throughout the project lifecycle, including initial project feasibility, resource analysis, pre-tender estimation, change order valuation, and estimation of cost to complete. Work closely with the PMO leadership team and project teams to develop, implement, maintain, and control data mapping, probable cost estimates, cashflow, reporting on conformance with project profiles, and to establish stage-gate budget documents to provide ongoing monitoring. Using industry-standard costing software, this also includes developing, implementing, and maintaining project/program probable cost estimates in a Project Management Office environment with particular emphasis on maintaining earned value progress data.

Program Reporting: Analyze, evaluate, forecast, and report project spending status against established spend profiles. Develop, maintain, and update detailed earned value progress data reports. Report on the current project spend and cost variance. Monitor proposed vs actual contractor spend profiles and project scope, clearly documenting any delays, variances, or changes. Generate and analyze S-curves, and produce comprehensive reports as required. Assess the impact(s) of design/construction changes and spend profile slippages. Accumulate and access historical data, such as performance experience, for use in maintaining a realistic basis for future probable costs and forecasting.

Departmental Liaison: Work closely and collaborate with each project lead. Develop effective scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flow reports and forecasts for multiple projects. Collaborate with project leads, PMO staff and other stakeholders to ensure that project schedules are aligned with overall project objectives. Analyze data and develop recommendations on the economic, financial, and other implications of the project. Provide guidance and support to planning/scheduling resources within the program while identifying potential risks or opportunities for improvement.

Project Management Stewardship: Provide leadership and training to team members ensuring the resolution of difficult project control issues. Lead and participate in interactive planning sessions and hold meetings with project teams to review and adjust earned value progress for initial distribution. Conduct spend analysis to identify potential risks/opportunities for improvement while providing strategic guidance on project cost matters.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• Demonstrated project management and strategic planning/estimating experience and the ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects simultaneously, including experience defining and tracking KPIs.
• Highly skilled in project risk management including the ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk using risk management best practices.
• Knowledge of all facets of program/project planning, costing, and analysis; including reporting on metrics and outcomes.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with ability to provide sound advice aligned with the strategic direction of the PMO.
• Ability to use innovative approaches in situations involving rapid change, shifting priorities, and/or simultaneous demands.
• Knowledge of local government operations, including policy development, budgeting, and decision-making processes.
• Ability to operate within a politically sensitive environment and deal with sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to maintain composure, diplomacy, and a positive outlook during periods of stress in a demanding work environment.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively prepare and present in a variety of settings.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) along with understanding of estimating and scheduling software.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a similar estimating / project control environment is required.
• Prior experience with project cost estimating, project cost management, and document control is required.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Technical degree, diploma, or journeyperson trade certification related to Municipal Infrastructure is required (, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline/trade).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Health and Safety Directive. As per Section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure, while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public.

This position is not employed in a supervisory capacity. As such, the employee is not required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.