Development Project Estimator

At Good Carbon Co, we believe good work starts with good people. As a rapidly growing leader in sustainable real estate development and construction, we’re not just imagining a better future — we’re building it. From development to construction to property management — we do it all, and you can help us shape what’s next.Why You’ll Love Working HereCollaborative, values-driven culture where every voice mattersClear opportunities for professional growth and advancementFlexibility and support for work-life balanceRegular team events and community initiativesComprehensive benefits: Employer-contributed medical and dental insurance; vision coverage; company 401(k) contributions; paid holidays and PTO-including your birthday!About The RoleThe 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.What You'll DoDevelopment Feasibility & Early-Stage EstimatingDevelop conceptual and preliminary cost estimates using limited design information, site conditions, due diligence, and development assumptionsPartner with Development to evaluate financial feasibility of prospective projects and support underwriting, proformas, and investment analysisSupport early project proposals for acquisitions, project pursuits, and internal approvalsAnalyze comparable projects, historical costs, and market benchmarks to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunitiesReview due diligence materials to identify cost implications and development constraintsAlign scope, budget, and funding assumptions with overall project strategy and financing structureDesign Development & Cost ManagementCollaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to align design decisions with project budgetsProvide continuous cost feedback through schematic design and design development phasesEvaluate design alternatives and recommend cost-effective solutions that preserve project goals, constructability, sustainability, and affordabilityIdentify and communicate cost impacts from design changes, site conditions, scope adjustments, and material selectionsMaintain CSI-formatted estimates and structured cost breakdowns across project phasesParticipate in design and planning meetings to balance vision, cost, and feasibilityBidding, Market Pricing & Cost ValidationPrepare estimate packages, scope narratives, and pricing comparisons to support bidding and validationSolicit and analyze pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to confirm budget assumptionsPerform bid leveling and comparative analysis to identify scope gaps and cost-saving opportunitiesTrack market trends in labor, materials, equipment, and escalation to maintain current estimatesResearch new building systems, materials, and technologies that improve value and performanceMaintain and improve historical cost databases and benchmarking toolsPre-Construction & Project Planning SupportSupport RFP responses, financing applications, grant submissions, and internal investment reviews with detailed cost documentationAssist in developing project assumptions, early scopes of work, and planning scenariosEvaluate how schedule, phasing, logistics, and constructability impact overall project costParticipate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and property condition assessmentsCoordinate with Project Management, Finance, and Accounting to align budgets with capital planning and forecastingEnsure complete and structured handoff of estimates, scopes, and documentation to Project Management prior to constructionContribute to lessons-learned reviews comparing estimates to actual costsReporting, Communication & CollaborationMaintain organized and complete documentation of estimates, assumptions, pricing inputs, and bid dataImprove estimating templates, tools, and internal reporting systemsUpdate unit pricing and cost libraries based on market conditionsEnsure all budget materials are accurate, structured, and accessible for decision-makingCommunicate cost drivers, risks, and recommendations clearly to Development, Design, Finance, and Executive LeadershipCollaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budgetQualificationsBachelor’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 capabilityExperience with bid solicitation, leveling, and scope reconciliationAdvanced Excel skills (pivot tables, cost modeling, structured data analysis)Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and cost driversClear written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to leadershipStrong organizational skills and document control disciplinePreferred QualificationsExposure to multifamily development or affordable housing projectsFamiliarity with underwriting or real estate pro forma inputsExperience with value engineering and design optimizationUnderstanding of due diligence inputs (zoning, geotech, environmental, utilities) and cost impactsExperience with tools such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, RSMeans, Procore, AutoCAD, or RevitExposure to sustainable/advanced systems (solar, geothermal, BESS, fuel cells)Experience supporting grants, financing applications, or public funding documentationCertifications such as CCM, PMP, ASPE, LEED, or OSHA 10/30The Pay Range For This Role Is75,000 - 100,000 USD per year (Buffalo, NY)