LEED Technical Specialist

The U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization of over 18,000 corporate and organizational members from every sector of the building industry, united to transform the building marketplace to sustainability, is seeking a LEED Technical Specialist to serve as an in-house subject matter expert for USGBC and the LEED Resource Development team in the development and support of the LEED Green Building Rating Systems.

Position Overview: 

The LEED Technical Specialist will draw on detailed green building knowledge and direct professional experience with the LEED Building Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance and/or Interior Design Construction Rating Systems to help resolve issues in and optimize technical content of all LEED programs. The individual will be well-versed and experienced in the real-world application of LEED to environmentally-efficient, high-performance, market-leading industry practices in commercial building projects.

The 3 essential characteristics needed are:

• Broad technical knowledge of implementing LEED in commercial and real estate development projects seeking LEED certification
• Business knowledge of market organizations, institutions, relationships, and practices, and the opportunities and constraints arising therein
• Problem-solving skills, including investigation, analysis, research, coordination, and final assessment

Responsibilities:

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as internal subject matter expert on design, construction, and operations of projects achieving LEED certification for USGBC staff that deal with technical LEED issues
• Help resolve advanced technical issues involving all LEED support tools and resources, including LEED Online, Reference guides, LEED credit language, submittal requirements, etc.
• Assist in determining which issues need to be run through LEED's formal interpretation process and which don't; and assist on addressing those that do
• Handle escalated advanced technical customer service inquiries
• Assist in conceiving and developing improvements to LEED based on technical knowledge, industry experience, or user feedback
• Liaise with USGBC's LEED Technical and Market Development Department, GBCI, LEED consultants, and other internal and external groups as needed
• Support technical issue resolution within LEED volunteer committees, e.g. Technical Advisory Groups, Implementation Advisory Committee and Market Advisory Committee
• Assist LEED senior and executive management in developing and refining the strategic direction of LEED based on technical industry developments, market conditions, and political developments
• Maintain currency of expertise by staying abreast of new and developing industry issues and trends in the green building market
• Other duties as assigned

Related Organizational Goals and Objectives:

• Encourage and accelerate global adoption of green building practices through LEED standards, tools and performance criteria.
• Offer a comprehensive portfolio of programs including technical tools and services supporting LEED products to meet the diverse needs of the building industry
• Deliver customer service that is professional, timely and targeted to our stakeholder's needs.
• Provide Council with general technical experience and knowledge as a design, building or development professional

Qualifications:

Minimum Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Detailed technical understanding of and experience achieving compliance with at least one of the following LEED Rating Systems: New Construction and Major Renovations, Schools, Core and Shell, Commercial Interiors and Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance; with a breadth of experience across all LEED Rating Systems
• Experience with the LEED Online submittal process and/or taking a LEED project through completion of certification as a project team member of significant responsibility for at least 15 LEED projects
• Minimum 5 years direct architectural or engineering field experience specializing in design, construction and/or operations of commercial buildings and/or interior fit-out projects
• Broad experience overseeing sustainable work in diverse types of commercial and/or interior building design, construction and/or operations, plus deep experience in the production of detailed technical documents of record for LEED certification
• Knowledge of various government policies and programs and common codes or standards related to buildings, e.g. EPACT, EPA Energy Star, ASHRAE, UPC/IPC, California Title 24, IECC and IESNA
• Excellent analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills - knowing how much research or exploration of an issue is needed to form an acceptable solution, and which perspectives must be considered
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well both independently and on teams
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, architectural or environmental science field is required. A master's degree in a relevant field is optional but can substitute for 2 years of the professional experience requirement.
• This position is located in the Washington, DC area

Preferred Additional Qualifications/Skills:

• Relevant experience in a variety of LEED projects, including large complex buildings and small simple buildings; urban, suburban, and rural settings; owner/occupied and multi-tenant settings; government, corporate, and individual owners, etc
• Detailed experience in all LEED project phases, from early visioning to completion of LEED certification
• Experience applying LEED in unusual situations, i.e., multiple buildings, district energy systems, non-U.S. locations, pilot market sectors, etc.
• Past experience with reviewing LEED certification projects as a contractor to USGBC
• Specialization in a high-performance building attribute such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials efficiency, indoor environmental quality, etc.
• Advanced understanding and ability to review/analyze detailed energy models, energy audits, and building performance metrics.
• LEED-AP status
• Professional license as Registered Architect or Professional Engineer
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office suite
• Passion for and commitment to USGBC mission

Compensation: Compensation includes an excellent benefits package, including 100% employer-paid premiums on healthcare and employer-matching 401(k) program.

To Apply: 

Please submit resume and letter of interest, with salary requirements and title of position applying for, via email or fax, attn: Human Resources. Please indicate where you saw the posting for this opportunity. No phone calls please.