Estimator

About the Company

Good Carbon Co. is a fast-growing organization focused on sustainable real estate development and construction. Its work spans development, construction, and property management, with an emphasis on creating high-quality, affordable housing and advancing a better-built future.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Supportive, team-oriented environment where individual input is valued
• Strong pathways for learning, growth, and career progression
• Flexibility designed to support healthy work-life balance
• Team-building activities and community-focused initiatives
• Robust benefits package including employer-paid medical and dental coverage, vision insurance, company 401(k) matching or contributions, paid holidays, PTO, and a birthday day off

Role Overview

The Estimator contributes early in the project lifecycle by producing precise, data-backed cost estimates, feasibility studies, and budget forecasts for prospective development work. This position supports the Development function by connecting project concept, design direction, financial modeling, and preconstruction planning so projects remain viable, competitive, and aligned with the company’s sustainability and affordability mission.

The role covers budgeting from conceptual through detailed stages, assists with underwriting and investment decisions, reviews how design and site conditions affect cost, and helps steer projects from initial concept into preconstruction. It also involves CSI-based estimating, quantity takeoffs, checking subcontractor and vendor pricing, and preparing clear cost reports for internal decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Create early-stage and preliminary estimates using limited design details, site conditions, due diligence findings, and development assumptions
• Work with the Development team to test project feasibility and support underwriting, pro formas, and investment analysis
• Assist with early proposals for acquisitions, project pursuits, and internal approvals
• Study comparable projects, historical cost data, and market benchmarks to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities
• Review due diligence documents to uncover cost implications and development limitations
• Keep scope, budget, and funding assumptions aligned with the project strategy and financing plan
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to keep design decisions aligned with budget targets
• Provide ongoing cost input during schematic design and design development
• Assess design options and recommend practical, cost-conscious alternatives that support constructability, sustainability, affordability, and overall project goals
• Flag the budget impact of design revisions, site conditions, scope changes, and material selections
• Maintain CSI-formatted estimates and organized cost breakdowns throughout the project lifecycle
• Join design and planning discussions to balance vision, cost, and feasibility
• Prepare estimate packages, scope descriptions, and pricing comparisons for bidding and validation
• Request and review pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to confirm budget assumptions
• Conduct bid leveling and comparison analysis to identify scope gaps and potential savings
• Monitor labor, materials, equipment, and escalation trends to keep estimates current
• Research new systems, materials, and technologies that improve value and performance
• Maintain and enhance historical cost databases and benchmarking tools
• Support RFP responses, financing applications, grant submissions, and internal investment reviews with detailed cost information
• Help define project assumptions, early scopes, and planning scenarios
• Assess how schedule, phasing, logistics, and constructability influence total 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 estimates, scopes, and related documentation are fully organized and handed off to Project Management before construction starts
• Contribute to lessons-learned reviews by comparing estimated versus actual costs
• Keep estimate files, assumptions, pricing inputs, and bid data well organized and complete
• Improve estimating templates, tools, and internal reporting systems
• Refresh unit pricing and cost libraries based on market conditions
• Make sure budget documents are accurate, structured, and easy to use for decision-making
• Explain cost drivers, risks, and recommendations clearly to Development, Design, Finance, and Executive Leadership
• Collaborate across functions to keep scope, schedule, and budget aligned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• At least 6 years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or cost management, preferably in multifamily or residential work
• Experience building budgets from conceptual through detailed stages, including schematic design and design development
• Solid command of CSI estimating structure and cost breakdowns
• Background in bid solicitation, leveling, and scope reconciliation
• Advanced Excel capability, including pivot tables, cost modeling, and structured data analysis
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and key cost drivers
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, including presenting to senior leadership
• Excellent organization and document control habits

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to multifamily development or affordable housing projects
• Familiarity with underwriting or real estate pro forma inputs
• Experience with value engineering and design optimization
• Working knowledge of due diligence items such as zoning, geotechnical, environmental, and utility considerations and their cost effects
• Experience using tools such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, RSMeans, Procore, AutoCAD, or Revit
• Exposure to sustainable or advanced systems such as solar, geothermal, BESS, or fuel cells
• Experience supporting grants, financing applications, or public funding documents
• Certifications such as CCM, PMP, ASPE, LEED, or OSHA 10/30

Compensation

The annual salary range for this Buffalo, NY position is USD 90,000 to 115,000.