Development Project Estimator

goodcarbon•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Development Project Estimator plays a key role in the early stages of project planning by developing accurate, data-driven cost estimates, feasibility analyses, and budget projections for new development opportunities. This role supports the Development team by connecting project vision, design intent, financial modeling, and pre-construction strategy to ensure each project is economically viable, competitive, and aligned with Good Carbon Co.’s mission of delivering sustainable, affordable, high-quality housing. The Estimator prepares conceptual through detailed budgets, supports underwriting and investment decisions, evaluates cost impacts of design and site conditions, and helps guide projects from early concept through pre-construction. This includes recommending value strategies to maintain alignment with scope, schedule, and budget. The role is responsible for CSI-formatted estimates, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor/vendor pricing validation, and clear, decision-ready cost reporting for internal stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
3+ years of estimating, preconstruction, or cost management experience (multifamily or residential preferred).
Experience building conceptual through detailed budgets (SD/DD phases).
Strong CSI estimating structure and cost breakdown capability.
Experience with bid solicitation, leveling, and scope reconciliation.
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, cost modeling, structured data analysis).
Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and cost drivers.
Clear written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to leadership.
Strong organizational skills and document control discipline.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to multifamily development or affordable housing projects.
Familiarity with underwriting or real estate pro forma inputs.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization.
Understanding of due diligence inputs (zoning, geotech, environmental, utilities) and cost impacts.
Experience with tools such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, RSMeans, Procore, AutoCAD, or Revit.
Exposure to sustainable/advanced systems (solar, geothermal, BESS, fuel cells).
Experience supporting grants, financing applications, or public funding documentation.
Certifications such as CCM, PMP, ASPE, LEED, or OSHA 10/30.

Responsibilities

Develop conceptual and preliminary cost estimates using limited design information, site conditions, due diligence, and development assumptions.
Partner with Development to evaluate financial feasibility of prospective projects and support underwriting, proformas, and investment analysis.
Support early project proposals for acquisitions, project pursuits, and internal approvals.
Analyze comparable projects, historical costs, and market benchmarks to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
Review due diligence materials to identify cost implications and development constraints.
Align scope, budget, and funding assumptions with overall project strategy and financing structure.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to align design decisions with project budgets.
Provide continuous cost feedback through schematic design and design development phases.
Evaluate design alternatives and recommend cost-effective solutions that preserve project goals, constructability, sustainability, and affordability.
Identify and communicate cost impacts from design changes, site conditions, scope adjustments, and material selections.
Maintain CSI-formatted estimates and structured cost breakdowns across project phases.
Participate in design and planning meetings to balance vision, cost, and feasibility.
Prepare estimate packages, scope narratives, and pricing comparisons to support bidding and validation.
Solicit and analyze pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to confirm budget assumptions.
Perform bid leveling and comparative analysis to identify scope gaps and cost-saving opportunities.
Track market trends in labor, materials, equipment, and escalation to maintain current estimates.
Research new building systems, materials, and technologies that improve value and performance.
Maintain and improve historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
Support RFP responses, financing applications, grant submissions, and internal investment reviews with detailed cost documentation.
Assist in developing project assumptions, early scopes of work, and planning scenarios.
Evaluate how schedule, phasing, logistics, and constructability impact overall project cost.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and property condition assessments.
Coordinate with Project Management, Finance, and Accounting to align budgets with capital planning and forecasting.
Ensure complete and structured handoff of estimates, scopes, and documentation to Project Management prior to construction.
Contribute to lessons-learned reviews comparing estimates to actual costs.
Maintain organized and complete documentation of estimates, assumptions, pricing inputs, and bid data.
Improve estimating templates, tools, and internal reporting systems.
Update unit pricing and cost libraries based on market conditions.
Ensure all budget materials are accurate, structured, and accessible for decision-making.
Communicate cost drivers, risks, and recommendations clearly to Development, Design, Finance, and Executive Leadership.
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budget.