Sustainability Specialist

About the Job

THE POSITION

At LAUSD, Sustainability Specialists perform, participate, and coordinate a variety of technical duties in support of sustainability initiatives including program management and design review, research and design standards, analysis, metrics, and communications pertaining to alternative energy and fuel, waste reduction, procurement of sustainable materials, air quality, gardening programs, and rebate and incentive programs.

General supervision is received from a supervisory or administrative employee. Functional supervision may be exercised over employees in lower-level technical and support classes. 

NOTE: This position works an “A” Basis calendar and is 100% in-person. Qualified candidates will report to physical worksites.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE has a strong educational background in sustainability, engineering, architecture, energy management, or a related field, along with experience in sustainability program development, environmental planning, or green building initiatives. They will demonstrate:

• Proficiency in sustainability principles, regulations, and certifications, including LEED, CEQA, and CHPS guidelines.

• Program and project management experience, including development and implementation of sustainability initiatives, cost-benefit analyses, and managing contracts and incentives.

• Ability to analyze sustainability data, including energy and water conservation metrics, carbon reduction strategies, and emerging technologies.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, including state and federal laws on sustainability, alternative energy, green building, and school facility requirements.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with District personnel, government agencies, contractors, and community partners.

• Experience in presentations, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement in sustainability awareness and education.

In addition, we are looking for candidates with strong program/project management experience in the following specialty areas:

• Building and transportation decarbonization, including solar photovoltaic, battery storage and microgrid projects, EV charging infrastructure, and net zero energy and/or carbon neutral building. Expertise in building science and energy modeling.

• Greening of schoolyards, including design reviews and greening guidelines, standards, metrics, and specifications.

• Climate literacy and resilience, including climate education and awareness initiatives.

BENEFITS

Insurance: Paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents; and life insurance plans.

Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).

Vacation: Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.

Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.

TYPICAL DUTIES

The position performs a variety of professional-level duties primarily oriented toward the research, analysis and execution of sustainability objectives and assists higher-level personnel in performing more complex assignments. 

• Supports and participates in the development and execution of sustainability projects and programs, from planning through construction and post-occupancy evaluations. 

• Confers with and advises District personnel, community-based partners, vendors, contractors, manufacturers’ representatives, and officials of other public agencies, on matters pertaining to the District’s sustainability programs and other sustainability guides.

• Acts as a liaison to District offices on sustainability-related matters including the improvement and/or implementation of sustainability protocols.

• Researches the impact and efficacy of emerging sustainability technologies and provides recommendations to management.

• Assists in preparing cost estimates and life cycle cost analysis for greening, building and transportation decarbonization or climate resilience and other sustainability projects and programs.

• Prepares or assists in compiling and writing a variety of reports in statistical, graphic, or narrative form and develops recommendations on District and other sustainability initiatives.

• Reviews scope of work, plans and specifications, and provides analysis and recommendations regarding sustainability initiatives standards for compliance with District Board resolutions, guidelines and design policies.

Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities of this position. For a comprehensive list of duties performed, please refer to the class description via our website https://www.lausd.org/Page/18661.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:  Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in architecture, engineering, or energy management, supplemented by coursework in statistics, cost analysis, engineering, energy management, energy auditing, or urban planning.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required education on a year for-year basis and must be supplemented by coursework in statistics, energy management, energy auditing, building systems, engineering, or cost analysis. 

EXPERIENCE:  Two (2) years of program or project management experience RELATED TO greening or landscape projects, climate literacy and/or climate resilience, OR building and transportation decarbonization, preferably for schools. Experience must have included administrative analysis, financial analysis, program development, OR contract negotiation.

The following work experience and accreditation are preferable:

• Experience managing projects or programs regulated by state or federal environmental/ sustainability issues

• Experience with the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)

• LEED Professional Accreditation by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)

• A valid certificate of Registration as a licensed Landscape Architect issued by the California State Board of Landscape Architects.

• An IA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification 

SPECIAL:  A valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation.