Construction Estimator

Buffalo Construction Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Construction, Inc. is seeking a Construction Project Estimator to join our preconstruction team. You will work beyond spreadsheets to develop conceptual budgets and detailed takeoffs, guiding cost projections for complex commercial projects.

We value collaboration with architects, engineers, and owners, ensuring estimates reflect scope and feasibility. Proficiency with Sage Timberline and WinEst is preferred, as is experience with self-perform estimating.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with complex vertical construction projects and budgets up to the $50MM+ range.
• Proficiency with estimating platforms such as Sage Timberline and WinEst.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets and opinions of probable cost from early ideation.
• Perform detailed material quantity takeoffs and cost assumptions from varying project documents.
• Deliver pricing strategies for Bid/Build, Design/Bid/Build, and Design-Build.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and owners to align cost projections with project vision.

Skills

Estimating experience

Cost analysis

Tools

Sage Timberline

WinEst

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

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.