Entry Level Real Estate Development Jobs in Utah

Position Title: Senior Real Estate Risk and Portfolio SpecialistCompany: Reef CapitalSalary: $110,000-$140,000Location: Lehi, Utah; In-officeAbout Reef: Reef is a Utah-based vertically integrated investment and development firm founded in 2005. Reef's team is currently involved in some of the most prominent development transactions in Utah and other targeted geographies across the United States.Built on two decades of success, our investment approach combines proven expertise with purposeful innovation. Reef's team has completed more than 500 transactions across all lines of business. In addition to our real estate investment strategy, Reef and/or affiliates own and operate various businesses that add significant long-term value to its projects. We have grown rapidly, growing from about 25 employees to well over 400, with managed assets on behalf of over 750 institutional and individual partners worldwide. With the motto "Expect the Best," Reef's most prominent developments include Black Desert Resort, a $2 billion luxury resort in Ivins, Utah; Marcella, a luxury private golf community in Park City, Utah; Tributer Resort, Virginia's newest premier private lakeside golf destination; Cornerstone Club, a 5,000-acre residential community, private club, and resort in Telluride, Colorado; Sweetens Cove, a renowned and evolving golf destination nestled in the Tennessee Valley; and the restoration of the historic Coco Palms Resort in Wailua, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.Our culture is defined by a shared set of principles that guide how we think, collaborate, make decisions, and pursue success together. This mindset serves as the foundation for the five principles that define how we work together: first, we are One Reef, always prioritizing the success of the whole over individual agendas; we speak candidly and respond collaboratively; we move in solidarity once a decision is made; we take full accountability for outcomes in our domain; and we refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary. These aren't aspirational values posted on a wall. They are the behaviors we hire for, develop, reward, and exhibit each day. Candidates who thrive at Reef bring energy, ownership, and a genuine commitment to raising the bar on everything they touch. Position Summary:Reef is seeking a talented Senior Real Estate Risk & Portfolio Specialist to join our lending team. This role is ideal for a commercial real estate appraiser, development professional, land acquisition specialist, or real estate underwriter with a deep understanding of real estate fundamentals and collateral risk.The Senior Real Estate Risk & Portfolio Specialist will play a critical role in evaluating, protecting, and monitoring real estate collateral throughout the life of a loan, from initial underwriting through final repayment. They will work to identify and evaluate collateral risk on private loans secured by land development and real estate assets, such as entitlement status, environmental conditions, geotechnical and site characteristics, and title matters. This role reviews third-party due diligence materials, participates in loan closings, and provides ongoing portfolio monitoring and servicing support after loans close. The ideal candidate has strong analytical judgment and the ability to spot risks affecting collateral value and project feasibility before they surface as problems.Responsibilities:Market and Collateral AnalysisEvaluate local, regional, national market conditions, and competitive developments affecting real estate values and development opportunitiesReview appraisal reports and supporting market data. Research sales comparables, development trends, and market activity.Development and Entitlement ReviewReview entitlement status, zoning classifications, and land use regulations.Evaluate development approvals, municipal requirements, and approval timelines.Assess moratoriums, water rights, water availability, and utility requirements.Identify entitlement-related risks that could impact value, timing, or project feasibility.Review development plans and associated approval processes.Site and Infrastructure AnalysisAssess site access, easements, encumbrances, and physical site constraints.Evaluate utility availability, infrastructure requirements, roadway access, drainage, and other development-related infrastructure considerations.Title ReviewReview title commitments, ALTA surveys, and exceptions.Identify liens, encumbrances, and defects affecting collateral position.Third-Party Due Diligence ReviewReview reports (appraisals, Phase I/II environmental, geotechnical, engineering, market studies, title, ALTA surveys); summarize findings and material risks.Coordinate with consultants/vendors as needed.Loan Closing SupportReview pre-closing diligence and verify collateral-related closing conditions.Coordinate with internal teams, borrowers, attorneys, title companies, and consultants to support closing/funding.Portfolio Monitoring and Loan ServicingMonitor assigned loans post-closing: borrower reporting, project milestones, and collateral conditions.Support modifications, extensions, and servicing requests.Flag market/project changes affecting collateral value; prepare monitoring summaries for management.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Engineering, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, or a related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial real estate appraisal, underwriting, development, land acquisition, entitlement, due diligence, or related fields.Strong understanding of commercial real estate valuation principles with experience reviewing appraisal reports and third-party due diligence materials.Knowledge of zoning, entitlement, land use, and development processes.Ability to interpret title commitments, surveys, environmental reports, and engineering studies.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.Company Benefits:401(k) Plan with Company MatchGenerous Health Plan with HSA MatchFlexible Paid Time-offDaily Company LunchesCell Phone Service AllowanceDiscounts at Company-owned Resorts and Golf Courses
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