Senior Specialist, Zero Waste & Decarbonization

USGBC builds a future where the built environment supports a healthy, sustainable world.

At USGBC, we are committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated to improve quality of life. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system—as well as education, advocacy, and research, we are driving forward a healthier, more equitable, and resilient world.

GBCI is the premier certification body responsible for global delivery and quality oversight of green building and green business sustainability standards. Its integrated team of green building specialists administers credentials and certifications for USGBC (LEED), the International WELL Building Institute (WELL Building Standard), International Finance Corporation (EDGE), PEER, Sustainable SITES, TRUE Zero Waste, and Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE).

We are dedicated to hiring passionate and talented individuals who share our vision for environmental stewardship and impact. Whether your background is in sustainability, project management, education, technology, or operations, USGBC and GBCI offer a purpose-driven culture where you can grow your career and make a meaningful difference.  

 How You'll Make an Impact 

This position advances USGBC’s mission to accelerate market transformation in the built environment by leading key initiatives in decarbonization and zero waste. The role provides deep subject matter expertise to inform the development and evolution of the LEED and TRUE rating systems, tools such as Arc, and other performance-based sustainability platforms.

As part of the Technical Development Team, you will collaborate with internal teams and external experts to provide technical solutions, conduct data analysis, and shape policy and guidance related to circularity, waste diversion, GHG accounting, and ESG alignment.

You’ll be helping drive measurable impact across buildings, portfolios, cities, and communities through sustainability standards that reduce emissions, conserve resources, and create resilient environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical development and provide subject matter expertise on decarbonization topics including greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, ESG reporting frameworks, and building performance scoring.
• Manage and maintain the TRUE rating system, including development of tools and resources such as guidance documents, sample forms, and technical addenda.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of LEED rating systems and the Arc performance platform.
• Analyze large data sets and create compelling visualizations to support decision-making and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Conduct research and facilitate technical discussions to build consensus and support continuous improvement of rating systems.
• Provide expertise on zero waste, materials management, circularity, resource conservation and the environmental impacts of waste practices across the built environment.
• Support engagement with global technical experts, advisory groups, and stakeholders to ensure market leadership in all products.
• Stay current on emerging trends, technologies, regulations, and scientific research related to sustainable operations and high-performance buildings.
• Collaborate with other technical category teams (e.g., Materials and Resources, Location & Transportation, SITES) to ensure cohesive and integrated technical guidance.
• Support and manage Advisory Councils and Technical Advisory Groups including agenda setting and meeting facilitation.
• Assist in cross-department coordination to improve certification support and user experience. 

Must-Have Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in sustainability, technical standards development, environmental science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in GHG accounting protocols, ESG frameworks, building performance standards, and sustainability metrics.
• Experience managing and analyzing large data sets and translating results into user-friendly dashboards and reports.
• Deep understanding of waste diversion strategies, upstream/downstream material management, and circular economy principles.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and working with commercial or industrial sectors on sustainability or materials management projects.
• Excellent research, writing, and technical synthesis skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and project management capabilities.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, architecture, sustainability, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• TRUE Advisor (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)
• LEED Accredited Professional (or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire)
• Experience with LEED rating systems and Arc platform
• Experience with voluntary standards development
• Knowledge of global supply chains and GHG accounting across lifecycle stages
• Familiarity with building energy management and high-performance building frameworks
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel capabilities
• Data visualization skills (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
   

What We Offer You

Our total rewards include:

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.