Sustainable Sites Specialist 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a global, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., working to improve human health, sustainability and resilience in the built environment through its programs and standards including LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Today, people in over 150 countries and territories live, work and learn in LEED certified buildings, communities and cities that protect health, climate and natural resources and enhance quality of life. 

How You'll Make an Impact

As a Sustainable Sites Specialist you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping advance the goals of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its Technical Development Team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of sustainable sites, driving key initiatives such as leading future rating system development with an emphasis on the vital relationships among ecosystems, buildings, and communities. You’ll be involved in the development and implementation of an integrated strategy, managing the technical development of site-focused aspects of USGBC products – including LEED and SITES – and fostering innovative thinking about the future of sustainable site practices in alignment with our mission and strategic goals. 

You’ll report to the Director, Location & Land Use and be part of a highly collaborative and matrixed team environment where your contributions will help shape impactful outcomes. You’ll work closely with teams like Technical Development, Education, and Market Transformation and Development and may regularly partner with Technical Customer Service to resolve questions regarding the interpretation of sustainable site related rating system language.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the technical content for site sustainability topics across all rating systems including LEED and SITES, ensuring alignment with USGBC's strategic goals and best practices.
• Provide expertise in key technical areas, such as ecological conservation and restoration, green infrastructure and stormwater management, sustainable landscaping, heat island reduction, resilient site design, biodiversity, and human health and well-being, to support the development of rating systems and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with USGBC staff and volunteers to co-develop credits, integrating sustainable site concepts across various rating systems.
• Develop expertise in emerging site-related sustainability topics to keep USGBC at the forefront of impactful green building practices.
• Engage with global external experts to enhance the development of technical tools and resources supporting rating system development and adoption related to sustainable sites.
• Facilitate public speaking engagements and create technical content for presentations, effectively communicating LEED technical information on sustainable sites to diverse audiences.
• Respond to inquiries from external parties, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of information regarding technical development and LEED credit related to sustainable sites.
• Monitor trends in site sustainability and technology to drive innovative strategies and inform new development approaches. 

Required Qualifications

Experience 

• 4+ years of experience, with 7+ years preferred years of work experience working in the areas of the built environment and/or sustainability sectors, with a focus on areas such as landscape architecture, ecology, environmental science/policy, land use planning, or related fields.
• Broad and specialized knowledge of sustainable site development, resilience, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure projects is highly desirable. 
• General knowledge of the LEED rating systems, including LEED Commercial and LEED for Cities and Communities. Experience with SITES is also highly desirable but not required.
• General understanding of high-performance green building/community design, construction, and operations.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, ecology, environmental science/policy, land use planning, or a related field is required 
• Advanced degree preferred

Technology/System(s)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required
• Proficiency with Salesforce and Smartsheet preferred but not required

Skills

• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong understanding of the level of research and breadth of perspective needed to develop an acceptable solution to technical issues 
• Ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with a diverse array of individuals and constituents
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to think strategically and translate organizational goals into technical strategies.
• Commitment to USGBC mission

Language

• English