THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security says it is urgently seeking 45 project managers and 40 construction estimators for immediate placement with construction companies in Canada.

According to the ministry, project managers will be required, among other things, to plan and direct construction projects from start to finish, according to schedule, specifications and budget; prepare project estimates; prepare contracts and negotiate changes to agreements; purchase materials/land, as well as hire and supervise the activities of subcontractors and subordinate staff.

"Employment requirements include a degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology; qualification in project management and experience either as a construction supervisor or field superintendent. Professional engineering status, or construction trade certification, may be required by some employers," the ministry said in a release.

Meanwhile, the ministry said construction estimators must have completed their secondary education or a college programme in civil or construction engineering technology.

"Experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical is also required," the ministry stated.

Among the duties the construction estimator will be required to perform are the preparation of estimates of costs of materials, labour and equipment for projects; participate actively in the tendering process; prepare cost and expenditure statements and forecasts at regular intervals for the duration of a project, and coordinate construction projects and prepare construction progress schedules. "Estimators may specialise in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects," the release said.