Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Buffalo Construction, Inc. is not your typical builder. We’re a people-first construction company built on the foundation of Commitment, Compassion, Celebration, and Continuous Improvement . We believe in Building Better!—better teams, better relationships, and better buildings. If that resonates, you might be ready to join the Herd.

We’re looking for a Construction Project Estimator who can think beyond the spreadsheet—someone who understands that estimating is both a science and an art form. This role requires a high-level professional with deep experience in commercial construction , including complex, large-scale project types.

What You’ll Do:

Preconstruction & Conceptual Estimating

• Develop conceptual budgets and opinions of probable cost from early ideation phases using sketches, mood boards, and similar reference examples.
• Perform detailed material quantity takeoffs and develop cost assumptions from varying levels of project documentation—ranging from schematic designs to fully developed construction drawings (0%–100% design development).
• Deliver pricing strategies that align with different project delivery methods: Bid/Build , Design/Bid/Build , and Design-Build .
• Collaborate closely with project stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and owners—to align cost projections with vision, intent, and feasibility.

Document Control & Design Collaboration

• Coordinate and track Requests for Information (RFIs) and clarifications throughout ideation, design, and construction .
• Manage drawing updates and design evolution to ensure estimates reflect the current scope at all times.
• Lead or support change management cost analysis , including evaluation and validation of vendor change order requests in collaboration with project teams.

Project Team Integration & Execution Support

• Serve as a key contributor throughout the lifecycle of the project, from concept through closeout, maintaining direct access to the assigned project team (PM, PE, Superintendent).
• Support schedule development and provide time-based cost input—because in estimating, time is just as critical as materials .
• Assist in scope development for self-performed trades (Divisions 6–10), helping define and package work effectively for internal teams and subcontractor partners.

What You Bring to the Herd:

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience ; experience must include complex vertical construction projects with budgets up to the $50MM+ range .
• Strong working knowledge of formal estimating platforms such as Sage Timberline , WinEst, or equivalent—not just takeoff tools.
• Ability to analyze and communicate cost impacts related to scope, schedule, and design changes.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), and familiarity with collaborative platforms (Procore, Bluebeam) is helpful but not a substitute for true estimating software.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to self-perform estimating is a plus.

Why Buffalo Construction?

At Buffalo, you're not just another estimator. You're part of a preconstruction team that believes in collaboration, transparency, and ownership —not just during bidding, but throughout the entire project lifecycle. We build partnerships the way we build structures: with purpose .

Buffalo Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Ready to build what matters? Join the Herd.