Land Development Cost Estimator

About the role

This position is suited to a motivated construction or engineering professional who wants to build a career in land development. The work combines numbers, plan review, problem-solving, and team collaboration in a setting focused on residential community development.

In this role, you will help prepare development budgets and quantity take-offs for residential communities and related infrastructure work. You will partner with project managers, subcontractors, and the company’s in-house civil engineering team to support accurate budgeting, bidding, and planning from early-stage development through project completion.

The opportunity is a strong fit for someone who wants to deepen their understanding of land development, civil construction, and residential community projects while learning from experienced professionals.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of land development budgets and quantity take-offs for residential and mixed-use projects.
• Review civil, grading, utility, and specification drawings to define project scope and estimate costs.
• Contribute to estimating for earthwork, grading, utilities, paving, retaining walls, landscaping, and off-site improvements.
• Coordinate with the internal civil engineering team to assess plans, site conditions, and estimate accuracy.
• Request and compare pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and utility contractors.
• Maintain historical pricing records and monitor labor and material market trends.
• Carry out occasional site visits and field walks to better understand construction methods and site conditions.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and value engineering.
• Work with project managers, purchasing, accounting, and development teams during budgeting and construction.
• Use estimating software, spreadsheets, and digital take-off tools to improve speed and precision.
• Assist in connecting estimating data with ERP and project management systems.

Requirements

• Interest in or exposure to land development, civil construction, residential construction, estimating, or engineering.
• A degree or coursework in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, business, or a similar area is preferred, though not mandatory.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and technical plans.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational capabilities.
• Comfort using Microsoft Excel and common computer software.
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, in writing, by phone, and through computer-based tools.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks, managing several assignments at once, and meeting deadlines in a busy environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and trade partners.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive annual pay in the range of $65,000 to $95,000, based on experience.
• Potential career progression into senior estimating, project management, development management, or leadership positions.
• Mentoring and training from experienced professionals in development, construction, and civil engineering.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, FSA, long-term disability, voluntary life insurance, and accident insurance.
• Company-sponsored employee events.
• Opportunity to contribute to prominent residential and mixed-use development projects.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite position. The posting emphasizes growth potential, hands-on learning, collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders, and exposure to high-profile development work.

Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and handling both technical and coordination tasks.