ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Real Estate Development Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

McClure

Development Manager - ATI Group

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Manage all aspects of real estate development projects, including underwriting, due diligence, permitting, construction, and close-out. * Develop and maintain comprehensive project budgets and ...

Showami

Real Estate Showing Agent

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$28 - $100/hr

Real Estate Showing Agent - Showami - Ames, Iowa, & Surrounding Areas (we can do this remote so it will work for the state) Position Overview Showami is seeking licensed real estate agents in Ames ...

Showami

Real Estate Showing Agent

Ames, IA · Remote

$50/hr

Real Estate Showing Agent - Showami - Ames, Iowa, & Surrounding Areas (we can do this remote so it will work for the state) Position Overview Showami is seeking licensed real estate agents in Ames ...

Showami

Real Estate Showing Agent

Ankeny, IA · On-site +1

$28 - $100/hr

Real Estate Showing Agent - Showami - Ankeny, Iowa, & Surrounding Areas (we can do this remote so it will work for the state) Position Overview Showami is seeking licensed real estate agents in ...

Showami

Real Estate Showing Agent

Ames, IA · Remote

$50/hr

Real Estate Showing Agent - Showami - Ames, Iowa, & Surrounding Areas (we can do this remote so it will work for the state) Position Overview Showami is seeking licensed real estate agents in Ames ...

Weichert, Realtors

Real Estate Sales Agent

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned closer, we provide proven sales training, advanced ... development What We Offer Industry-Leading Sales Training: Access to Weichert University ...

Weichert, Realtors

Real Estate Sale Agent

Ames, IA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned closer, we provide proven sales training, advanced ... development What We Offer Industry-Leading Sales Training: Access to Weichert University ...

McClure

Development Analyst - ATI Group

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Conduct thorough underwriting of potential real estate acquisitions and development projects, including financial modeling, market analysis, and risk assessment. * Prepare and present detailed ...

JCG Land Services

Abstractor/Title Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

Experience with right-of-way title research, land acquisition, or real estate development projects Work Environment & Physical Requirements: * Office-based environment with standard equipment

JCG Land Services

Abstractor/Title Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

Experience with right-of-way title research, land acquisition, or real estate development projects Work Environment & Physical Requirements: * Office-based environment with standard equipment

JCG Land Services

Abstractor/Title Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

Experience with right-of-way title research, land acquisition, or real estate development projects Work Environment & Physical Requirements: * Office-based environment with standard equipment

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in Ames, IA

Real Estate Development information

See Ames, IA salary details

$53.3K

$100K

$158.5K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Ames, IA is $100,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,400.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is real estate development?

Real estate development is the process of creating new buildings or renovating existing properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. It involves tasks such as acquiring land, securing financing, obtaining permits, overseeing construction, and managing the eventual sale or lease of the property. Developers coordinate with architects, contractors, government agencies, and investors throughout each stage of a project. The goal is to transform raw land or underutilized properties into valuable assets that meet market demand.

What are the qualifications to get a job in real estate development?

The qualifications to get a job in real estate development vary depending on your responsibilities. For investment and development jobs, the most important thing is money, whether it is from personal wealth or investors. Some developers work specifically with municipal governments or community organizations. If you seek investors, you need to have strong financial skills, good negotiation and presentation tactics, and strategic vision. To become a construction or design worker in real estate development, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or credentials from an apprenticeship and several years of work as a commercial or residential contractor. Marketing professionals need a background in PR or real estate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a real estate developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Developer, you need strong project management, financial analysis, and market research skills, often supported by a degree in real estate, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software, CAD tools, and zoning or permitting systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities set top developers apart. These skills are crucial for successfully managing complex projects, securing investment, and navigating regulatory environments to deliver profitable developments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in real estate development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in real estate development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, and coordinating with a diverse group of stakeholders including architects, contractors, and government agencies. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a network of reliable partners and staying informed about local market trends can also help mitigate risks and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development vs Real Estate Brokerage?

AspectReal Estate DevelopmentReal Estate Brokerage
Required CredentialsReal estate license, possibly a degree in real estate, finance, or urban planningReal estate license, sales certification
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, planning meetingsReal estate offices, property showings, client meetings
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, financing, and constructing new propertiesFacilitates property sales and leasing between buyers and sellers

Real estate development focuses on creating new properties from planning to construction, while real estate brokerage centers on selling and leasing existing properties. Both roles require real estate licenses but differ significantly in daily activities and project involvement.

Do real estate developers make a lot of money?

Real estate developers can earn high incomes, especially when managing large projects or successful developments, but earnings vary widely based on experience, project size, location, and market conditions. Successful developers often require strong financial skills, market knowledge, and access to capital. Income potential increases with experience and a proven track record in the industry.

Is real estate development a good career?

Real estate development is a viable career that involves managing the planning, financing, and construction of property projects. Success requires strong project management skills, knowledge of market trends, and often a background in finance, architecture, or urban planning. It can be financially rewarding but also involves significant risk and long-term commitment.

What exactly do real estate developers do?

Real estate developers plan, design, and oversee the development of new properties or the renovation of existing ones, including residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, secure financing, and manage project timelines to bring developments from concept to completion.
More about Real Estate Development jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Ames, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Real Estate Development job openings:

Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,041 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Development Manager - ATI Group

McClure Engineering Co

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Development Manager 

Location: Ankeny, Iowa 

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director or VP, Commercial/Industrial Development

Job Summary: 

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Development Manager to lead and manage the full lifecycle of real estate development projects, from conception through completion. This role will be responsible for overseeing project financials, ensuring successful execution, and contributing to the company's real estate portfolio growth.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage all aspects of real estate development projects, including underwriting, due diligence, permitting, construction, and close-out.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive project budgets and schedules, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within financial targets.
  • Conduct thorough financial analysis and modeling for development projects, including evaluating development costs, projected revenues, capital stack structures, and returns (IRR, equity multiple, cash-on-cash, etc.).
  • Collaborate with internal teams (design, construction, finance) and external partners (architects, contractors, consultants, legal) to ensure project alignment and successful execution.
  • Oversee market research and analysis, including supply/demand trends, comparable transactions, zoning, and entitlements, to inform development strategies.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with consultants, contractors, and other third-party vendors.
  • Secure necessary permits, approvals, and entitlements from local authorities, which may require after normal business hours attendance at Planning and Zoning and City Council meetings.
  • Monitor ongoing performance of existing assets against pro forma assumptions, providing updates and recommendations as needed.
  • Prepare and present detailed investment updates, underwriting packages, and scenario analyses for internal review and executive decision-making.
  • Identify and mitigate project risks throughout the development process.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. 
  • Experience in real estate development, project management, or related investment role.
  • Strong proficiency in Excel-based financial modeling and valuation methods (DCF, IRR, etc.).
  • Deep understanding of the real estate market dynamics, development process, and financial structuring.
  • Proven experience in managing complex projects and cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Exposure to multiple asset classes (multifamily, single family residential, industrial, mixed-use, retail, etc.).
  • Experience working within a real estate development or investment firm.
  • Familiarity with permitting, entitlement processes, and construction budgeting.

ATI Group is a subsidiary of McClure.


ATI Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Requirements: