New York City Green Building Specialist

Reports to: Market Development Manager, TREES Program

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ecosystems and the people and wildlife that live within them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods. 

TREES is a program of the Rainforest Alliance, focusing on (T)raining, (R)esearch,
(E)xtension, (E)ducation and (S)ystems activities related to sustainable forest management certification. The purpose of TREES is to improve the effectiveness of certification as a tool protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable communities, and enhancing the economic performance of forest operations managed by small forest enterprises, small forest landowners indigenous groups and rural communities. TREES is a sister program of SmartWood (SW), the world-renowned forest certification initiative of the Rainforest Alliance. 

The NYC Green Building Initiative (NYC GBI) of the TREES Program encompasses promoting and satisfying market demand for FSC certified wood in the greater New York City area. The NYC GBI facilitates the use of FSC certified woods in LEED registered buildings and other "Green" designated construction projects. The NYC GBI provides instruction and support to architects, developers, designers, primary and sub contractors, project managers, and other organizations, companies and individuals concerned with specifying and/or procuring FSC certified wood building materials. The wood materials include framing lumber, MSR lumber, composite panels, plywood, engineered wood, gluelams, architectural millwork, cabinetry/casework, concrete form, flooring and any other wood or wood based construction materials that are required on a project by project basis. 

Summary of Position: 

The NYC Green Building Specialist will manage the NYC Green Building Initiative and assist the Market Development Manager and coordinate with the NY-based Forest Products Marketing Associate in assuring procurement of FSC wood for targeted construction projects in the NYC area. S/he will assist in providing instruction and assistance through presentations at forums and seminars in support of the FSC certified wood mission. S/he will coordinate with all levels in design and construction management (from developer/architect to sub-contractors) steps to assure availability and suitability of FSC wood. S/he will meet and work with the various concerned individuals and firms in a variety of locations including construction sites. S/he also will be tasked to meet with and work with the wood suppliers and product manufacturers. The successful candidate must communicate effectively within the various business climates, drawing on a foundation of construction industry and/or wood products experience. The office for this position is in Manhattan, NYC. 

Responsibilities: 

Manage NYC GBI resources to ensure proper implementation of project activities and goals;
Develop use and sourcing of FSC certified wood in LEED projects in greater NYC;
Develop relationships with new FSC Chain-of-Custody clients including manufacturers and distributors;
Conduct forest products market research as appropriate to meet NYC GBI goals;
Present and assist in creating presentations for seminars, lectures and special events; Coordinate sales and outreach activities with the NY-based Forest Products Marketing Associate;
Represent the TREES Program as needed, and liaison with partner organizations, government agencies, extensions services, forestland owner groups and trade associations;
Correspond and follow-up with TREES clients, workshop participants, sponsors and others as required in fulfilling duties;
Support RA, TREES and SmartWood goals, functions, and activities as appropriate;
Complete other responsibilities as assigned by the Market Development Manager. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelors Degree in engineering, forest/wood products or other applicable field;
Five years experience in related construction and/or wood products;
Experience in working with customers/clients in the building trades;
Strong background in use of wood in all phases of construction;
Ability to read and understand construction drawings;
Some knowledge of the LEED certification process;
Solid verbal and written communications skills;
Good computer skills (Internet, Microsoft Office and Power Point);
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
Ability to work well with co-workers, clients, and supervisors in a team focused environment;
Available to travel outside of greater NYC 10%-20% of time. 

Compensation: 

Salary commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits include 4 weeks vacation, health and dental coverage, and 403b retirement plan. 

To apply: 

Send resume, cover letter and salary history to

Human Resources,
Rainforest Alliance,
665 Broadway, Suite 500,
New York, NY, 10012.

Fax 212-677-2187,

E-mail (preferred) Personnel@ra.org 

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.