Cost Estimator-Real Estate​/Commercial

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PACO Group (PACO) is seeking a highly skilled Cost Estimator to support MTA Construction & Development's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Business Unit. This role is central to evaluating and forecasting construction-related costs associated with real estate development near transit infrastructure—including residential, mixed-use, commercial, and overbuild projects. The Cost Estimator will analyze project documentation, validate developer submissions, and support feasibility studies for multiple high-profile sites across New York State.

This position requires excellent analytical capabilities, deep industry expertise, and the ability to synthesize technical, financial, and operational information to produce credible and defendable cost estimates. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced project environment and brings a strong understanding of both construction practices and real estate development economics.

Full time

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil or mechanical engineering, architecture, or quantity surveying. Equivalent field experience may substitute for a degree.

$65–$75 per hour

Cost Estimating & Financial Analysis;
Document, Plan & Scope Analysis;
Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement;
Site‑Specific Analysis;
Project Controls & Reporting.

• Cost Estimating & Financial Analysis
  • Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for land preparation, infrastructure upgrades, and vertical construction for residential, mixed‑use, and transit‑adjacent development.
  • Build and maintain cost models reflecting labor, material, equipment, escalation, contingencies, and financing assumptions.
  • Perform quantity take‑offs and prepare detailed cost breakdowns aligned with industry standards and MTA C&D guidelines.
  • Analyze, validate, and reconcile developer‑submitted budgets, pro formas, and financing assumptions, identifying inconsistencies and areas of risk.
  • Conduct financial viability assessments, including sensitivity testing and cost benchmarking against comparable local and national markets.
• Document, Plan, and Scope Analysis
  • Review site plans, engineering drawings, architectural documents, geotechnical reports, and environmental assessments to identify cost implications.
  • Evaluate the impact of site constraints, such as active rail operations, easements, structural limitations, and utility relocation requirements.
  • Assess cost impacts related to project phasing, constructability, access limitations, staging requirements, and mitigation measures.
• Benchmarking & Research
  • Research market pricing trends, inflation factors, commodity volatility, subcontractor rates, and regional cost differentials.
  • Build and maintain a robust historical cost database for use in TOD project forecasting and MTA strategic planning.
  • Benchmark costs against industry standards, RSMeans, comparable developments, and MTA internal data sources.
• Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with internal MTA project teams, including planning, engineering, real estate, and operations personnel.
  • Liaise with external developers, consultants, and design teams to gather data, clarify assumptions, and coordinate estimate content.
  • Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and presentations, providing clear explanations of cost assumptions and variances.
• Site‑Specific Analysis
  • Provide estimates and feasibility support for multiple TOD locations.
  • These sites may involve complex considerations such as zoning, overbuild structures, active rail adjacency, and utility relocations.
• Project Controls & Reporting
  • Prepare written reports, estimate narratives, risk assessments, and cost summaries for MTA leadership.
  • Identify cost drivers, risks, value‑engineering opportunities, and procurement strategies.
  • Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and estimate reconciliation processes.

• 10+ years of professional experience in construction cost…