Sustainability Specialist - Construction - Steven Winter Associates - Norwalk, CT

About the role

Steven Winter Associates (SWA) is a firm dedicated to making buildings and communities more sustainable, energy efficient, accessible, healthy, and resilient. As a Sustainability Specialist, you will work hands-on in the field, inspecting, testing, and guiding teams to meet sustainability goals. Your responsibilities include inspecting and testing buildings, communicating building science principles, reviewing plans and specifications, preparing documentation, and conducting research related to sustainability.

Responsibilities

- Inspect and test buildings, including those under construction, to verify sustainability measures. - Communicate building science principles and green building program requirements to all members of a project team. - Review architectural and mechanical drawings, specifications, and submittals against sustainability goals, and make recommendations to optimize performance. - Prepare and coordinate documentation, calculations, and analysis to support certification programs such as ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED. - Conduct technology, program, and policy research related to sustainability.

Requirements

- BS in architectural engineering, building technologies, architecture, construction management, or a building-related engineering field. - Strong building science background with solid knowledge of multifamily mechanical, structural, and thermal envelope systems. - 1+ year professional experience with building design and construction. - Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences across written, verbal, and presentation formats. - Ability to work independently, managing time and projects effectively. - Exceptional attention to detail. - Onsite experience with construction projects.

Qualifications

- Fluency using Microsoft Office suite plus Adobe Acrobat/Bluebeam for takeoffs. - Ability to read and review construction drawings and specifications. - Experienced driver with a clean driving record and confidence navigating urban traffic.

Skills

- Preferred technical knowledge includes HERS Rater, LEED for Homes Green Rater, NGBS Green Verifier, or BPI Multifamily Building Analyst, experience with LEED for Homes or Multifamily, HERS Ratings, ENERGY STAR Homes or Multifamily, National Green Building Standard, or Enterprise Green Communities, utility billing analysis, and energy saving spreadsheet calculations, and familiarity with Energy Code and/or ASHRAE standards.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent movement through active construction sites, including climbing stairs and ladders, bending, reaching, and carrying. The employee may be required to lift or move equipment up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to type, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand.

Benefits and Perks

SWA offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k (with match), commuter benefits, and more.