Tag Archives: green building

Sustainable Sites Specialist. Full-time, remote in U.S. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

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Requisition #: 1188. Salary Range: $90,000 – $105,000/year Application Closes: not posted.

Position Description

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 

  • 4-7 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.
  • Experience in sustainable site development, ecosystem restoration, or 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 
  • Master’s degree can substitute for two years of work experience

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

ABOUT OUR TOTAL REWARDS PACKAGE

Salary 

Final compensation and benefits will be confirmed at the time of offer and may vary based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, qualifications, and employment status. Please note that salary negotiations will not extend beyond the top of the internal salary range.

Benefits

We offer you:

  • Competitive compensation
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Professional development reimbursement
  • We offer a healthcare plan through Cigna that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. USGBC covers 100% of the premiums and an HRA that will assist you and your dependents in reaching the in-network medical deductible. You will only be responsible for the $300 individual / $600 family up front deductible for medical services before the employer funded HRA will process payments for your in-network claims 
  • Generous paid time off (12 paid holidays, 9 paid personal sick days and based on career level either 2 to 3 weeks PTO), including operations closed for a full week between Christmas and New Year’s
  • 6 weeks paid renewal leave after 7 years of continuous service 

LOGISTICS

Location: Remote in the U.S.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in the team member’s local time zone, with occasional meetings scheduled in Eastern Time.

Travel %: 5% for occasional conferences, speaking events, and team retreats

EEO STATEMENT

The U.S. Green Building Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT US

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to accelerating and scaling the transformation of the built environment. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system— and initiatives likes Greenbuild, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy, USGBC empowers professionals to drive market transformation that advances human and environmental health, climate resilience, and equity.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including LEED, WELL, EDGE, PEER, PERFORM, SITES, TRUE Zero Waste, and IREE.

We are proud to be globally recognized for our leadership in green building, environmental performance, and sustainable development.

Our Global Impact

  • Over 120,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide
  • Millions of square feet of certified healthy, efficient, low-carbon space
  • Recognition in 180+ countries for innovation in green building and business practices

Why Join Us

At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:

  • A purpose-driven, inclusive culture
  • Opportunities to grow your career and take ownership of meaningful work
  • A chance to make a measurable impact on global sustainability efforts
  • We’re seeking team members who thrive in collaborative environments, are committed to excellence, and want to build lasting partnerships that drive change in the built environment.

Meet Our Leaders and Learn More about our Mission:    

Culture and Values Statement

Working together, each of us advances our mission by respecting all voices, trusting and supporting one another, excelling through collaboration and accountability, and continuously improving ourselves and our organization.

Paid Summer 2025 Internship for Graduate Students – Sustainable Purchasing Program, Green Building, & Strategic Climate Action Policy Implementation. Hybrid work environment. King County, Seattle, WA.

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Requisition # : 2025-LM23992. Salary Range: $23.88 – $30.27 Hourly. Application Closes: April 6, 2025.

Summary

King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division, Procurement & Payables section, is seeking a Sustainable Purchasing Graduate Intern to join our Education, Compliance and Training team!

This position is expected to begin in May or June and will continue through the 2025/2026 academic year. Interns must be enrolled in a Graduate (Master’s) program for the full duration of the internship and may be asked to provide proof of enrollment at any time. Typically, interns work part-time (10-20 hours per week) during the academic term and may work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer and school breaks. 

Our ideal candidate is a quick and versatile learner with excellent research and communication skills and high attention to detail.  

This intern will be assisting the Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager in implementation of the County’s sustainable purchasing, green building and strategic climate action policies as they relate to reducing the environmental impact of county purchases.

Internship Learning Objectives:

  • Conduct research related to sustainable purchasing policies, environmental standards and certifications, product specifications, and industry best practices.
  • Assist with developing outreach tools, including policy implementation guidance and identifying sustainable products, services and contracts.
  • Collect, tabulate, and summarize purchasing data.
  • Assist in the 2025 Strategic Climate Action Plan update process as it relates to purchasing goals.
  • Assist with internal/external communications about sustainable policies, products and services, via e-mail, reports, training materials and website.
  • Maintain sustainable purchasing program website and on-line guides content.
  • Support meetings and training events; plan, organize, schedule, attend and present.
  • Support internal sustainable purchasing efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in graduate school for Business Administration, Public Administration/Policy, Environmental Science or another related program;
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of public procurement processes;
  • Basic principles of sustainability, including environmental, social and fiscal aspects;
  • Have an interest in and understanding of public sector and are responsible in a professional environment;
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, writing and customer service skills;
  • Intermediate level of technology proficiency using MS Office Productivity tools in your daily work;
  • Ability to manage your time and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, meet quick deadlines, and produce timely and quality work products;
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

We would love it if you had:

  • A passion for sustainability
  • Knowledge of environmental attributes of products, including recycled content, resource efficient, toxicity, end-of-life management, product stewardship and total cost of ownership.
  • Knowledge of greenhouse gas emission impacts
  • Experience with LEAN processes and principles.
  • Experience with SharePoint, MS Teams and other collaborative online tools.

The Procurement & Payables Section is part of the larger Finance and Business Operations Division portfolio of countywide services. FBOD’s vision “Count on Us” reflects the division’s deep-seated commitment to customer success, equity, employee engagement, resource stewardship, and operational excellence. If these values align with your own, please apply and join FBOD for a rewarding internship!

Position Information:

  • Work Site Details: The work associated with this position will primarily be hybrid. FBOD employees are currently required to work two assigned days a week in the Seattle office. In office requirements may change as required by King County business needs.
  • Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
  • Work Schedule: During the academic term, the work week will consist of 10-20 hours. During summer and other school breaks, the work week will consist of 40 hours. This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is overtime eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop. When working remotely employees must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work, remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours, and follow FBOD’s Hybrid and Remote Guidelines including on-camera participation during virtual video meetings. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. 

The Application/Selection Process:

  • A completed King County Application is required.
  • A Cover Letter is recommended.
  • A current Resume is recommended.

The selection process typically consists of a phone screen, video interview, and reference checking.  For some positions the process may also include skill testing, writing samples or additional interviews. Candidates will be updated on the status of their application via the email address used to apply.

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you have any questions or concerns while applying, please contact: Lisa Manasan, Recruiter, lmanasan @kingcounty.gov.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play. Guided by our “True North”, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles – we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.