Entry-level Sustainability Specialist

Summary:

At Epsten Group, a Salas O’Brien Company, we pride ourselves on being a pioneer for sustainability in the built environment. Sustainability is in our DNA– it’s the right thing to do for future generations and the legacy we leave behind. We maintain the front-line of sustainability, spreading the word globally and investing locally. We are a JUST Label company with a focus on social equity in how we operate our business, as well as the health and well-being of our employees through our WELL and Fitwel certifications.

Industry pioneers to our core, we push the boundaries by walking many clients through their own firsts. Our services remain flexible to meet the growing demand for a sustainable, healthier future. Our team strives to create a global impact surrounding green initiatives and maintains a company culture that reflects this. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and equity and have recruited top talent from all over the globe. With office flexibility and a work-life balance, we accommodate individual preferences, believing that freedom, respect, and creativity lead to happiness and prosperity.

We are seeking a full time Entry-Level Sustainability Specialist to provide technical expertise for projects pursuing LEED BD+C, ID+C, and O+M rating systems; WELL, including WELL Health-Safety and WELL Equity Rating; SITES; GRESB; Parksmart; Living Building Challenge; Fitwel certification; and ESG-related work as a Reviewer of the rating systems first and then a Consultant on projects applying third-party rating systems or sustainability in general. We are looking for an energetic, fast learner who is detail oriented to join our growing company based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Requirements

Education and Training Requirements/Preferences:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field of study related to one or more of the following specialties: Architecture (architecture, construction, landscape architecture, interior design) Engineering (mechanical, civil, structural), Policy, or Environmental Studies
  • Professional accreditation preferred: LEED AP with specialty, WELL AP, LFA, Fitwel Ambassador; GRESB AP, or similar
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret building floor plans, sections, site plans, construction specifications, mechanical schedules, commissioning reports, product submittals, and operational policies
  • Detailed technical understanding of and experience with one or more of the following building operations topics: design and construction process, common construction methods, materials specification, fenestration, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, landscape design, master planning, land use, zoning, urban development, life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, social equity programming, basis of design development, owner’s project requirement development
  • Experience or passion for learning about EPDs and LCAs a plus
  • Experience with ISO accreditations a plus
  • Experience with ESG-related items a plus

About the Entry-level Sustainability Specialist Role

Essential Functions:

  • Perform in-depth technical review and analyses of building design, construction, and operations for compliance with LEED rating systems on time with high quality to gain rating system proficiency with the goal of achieving Senior status within one year.
  • Educate and directly engage the marketplace by effectively communicating through written, verbal, and in-person meetings with project teams and owners
  • Provide technical customer service support to project teams
  • Contribute to the continued development and increased technical knowledge of fellow LEED Certification Reviewers through collaborative teamwork
  • Understanding of the LEED-BD+C, ID+C, and O+M rating systems, including forms, calculations, and documentation requirements, including how to apply LEED criteria to the review of documentation for verification.
  • Opportunity to learn more about the WELL, SITES, Fitwel, GRESB, and Living Building Challenge rating systems, including forms, calculations, documentation requirements, and how to apply the criteria to a project or the review of documentation for verification

Essential Functions After Initial Training Period:

  • Contribute to a project’s pursuit of a sustainability-related certification by working as the Project Manager, guiding the project team through the entire certification process, from Strategic Development through Certification Award, possibly beyond Award for Recertification
  • Complete all necessary forms, annotations, and documentation required to document fulfilment of the rating system requirements
  • Wherever possible, EGI Project Managers do not rely on the documentation to be completed by other project team members, with obvious exceptions in the form of project drawings or engineering calculations
  • Perform in-depth technical review and analyses of building design, construction, and operations for compliance with LEED rating systems on time with high quality
  • Perform quality assurance (QA) review of work done by other Reviewers
  • Participate in Business Development activities such as networking, speaking engagements, and written content for marketing purposes

Metrics for Success:

  • Achieve Senior Specialist status within one year
  • Meet individual review production metrics (quality, efficiency, and timeliness)
  • Achieve customer service satisfaction consistent with department goals
  • Demonstrate professional growth by advancing foundational and leadership competencies

The Epsten Group, a Salas O’Brien Company, offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more including:

  • LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, Fitwel 2 Stars, LBC Petal Certification, WELL Health-Safety, WELL Equity, Just. Label, and RESET Air certified office space on the 26th floor of a building with free gym access, secure bike parking, amenities floor, coffee shop, restaurant, and a multitude of local amenities within 1/4-mile walking distance which includes two mass-transit stations
  • Twice-Yearly Profit Sharing
  • Employee-owned company with option to buy shares
  • Medical/Dental/Vision and Pet Insurance
  • 401(k) with Safe Harbor match
  • HSA/FSA/Dependent Care FSA
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability
  • Parental Leave
  • 10 days annually for Holidays
  • 4 weeks annually for Vacation (5 weeks after 15 years)
  • Certifications office closed Christmas Eve through New Years Day
  • 1 day annually for Altruistic activities
  • Flexible schedule, including option for 4/80 or other
  • Summer Fridays – option to complete heads-down work or take PTO
  • Remote work possible or hybrid if near Atlanta Office with option to work remotely fulltime after 5 years
  • Stipend for alternative commuting
  • Stipend for wellness activities, such as gym or yoga memberships, weight loss programs, competitive races, etc.
  • Wellness activities included in work schedule, such as group yoga, hiking, mental health programming, ergonomics training, and more
  • Quarterly Town Hall Meetings included in work schedule and off-site
  • Group meditation sessions every Wednesday
  • Company-sponsored social events
  • Annual stipend for professional organization memberships, conferences, etc.
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Mentorship Program
  • Employee Impact Groups

To apply, click here.