What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sustainable Sites Specialist position at U.S. Green Building Council?
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
Experience
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:
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
About
At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:
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.
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.
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.
- 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
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office required
- Proficiency with Salesforce and Smartsheet preferred but not required
- 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
- English
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
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
About
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.
- U.S. Green Building Council Leaders
- Green Business Certification Inc Leaders
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.
Salary : $90,000 - $105,000
