The Sustainability Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the organization's sustainability strategy, environmental programs, social responsibility initiatives, and governance (ESG) objectives. This role works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, resource efficiency, carbon reduction, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting.

The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills, project management experience, and a thorough understanding of sustainability frameworks, environmental regulations, climate-related initiatives, and ESG reporting standards. The Sustainability Specialist will help drive measurable sustainability outcomes while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, industry best practices, and stakeholder expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Strategy & Program Management

• Support the development and execution of corporate sustainability initiatives and long-term ESG strategies.
• Assist in establishing sustainability goals, performance indicators, and implementation roadmaps.
• Monitor sustainability performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate sustainability projects across departments to ensure timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Conduct sustainability assessments and recommend practical solutions for environmental and social impact reduction.

Environmental Management

• Monitor and evaluate organizational environmental performance, including energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Support carbon footprint measurement, reduction planning, and climate action initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce operational environmental impacts.
• Assist in implementing environmental management systems and sustainability certifications.

ESG Reporting & Compliance

• Collect, analyze, and validate sustainability-related data from various business units.
• Prepare ESG reports and disclosures in accordance with recognized reporting frameworks.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Assist in responding to sustainability assessments, audits, investor inquiries, and customer sustainability requests.
• Maintain documentation supporting sustainability reporting and compliance activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote sustainability awareness and best practices.
• Assist with employee engagement programs focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Support communication of sustainability achievements and initiatives to customers, investors, suppliers, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in sustainability committees, working groups, and industry forums.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sustainability performance data and prepare executive-level reports and presentations.
• Develop dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track sustainability progress.
• Conduct benchmarking studies and evaluate industry best practices.
• Provide recommendations based on data analysis and sustainability trends.

Supplier & Supply Chain Sustainability

• Support supplier sustainability assessments and responsible sourcing initiatives.
• Evaluate supplier ESG performance and recommend improvement opportunities.
• Assist in implementing sustainable procurement practices.
• Monitor supply chain sustainability risks and opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Engineering, Public Policy, Business Administration, Natural Resources, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in sustainability, ESG, environmental management, corporate responsibility, climate initiatives, or a related field.
• Experience managing sustainability projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting sustainability data.

Knowledge

• Understanding of ESG principles and sustainability frameworks.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with greenhouse gas accounting methodologies.
• Understanding of corporate sustainability reporting practices.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with sustainability reporting platforms and ESG management systems.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings effectively.

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to prepare executive summaries and technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as:
  • LEED Green Associate or LEED AP
  • ISSP Sustainability Associate or Professional
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  • GRI Professional Certification
  • SASB Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting Credential
• Experience with carbon accounting software and sustainability data management platforms.
• Experience supporting net-zero, climate resilience, or circular economy initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Sustainability Leadership
• Environmental Stewardship
• Strategic Thinking
• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Continuous Improvement

Compensation

Annual Salary

$75,000 – $105,000 per year

Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, certifications, and overall fit for the role.

Hourly Equivalent

$36.06 – $50.48 per hour

(Based on a standard 40-hour workweek and 2,080 annual work hours.)

Bonus Eligibility

• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Merit-based salary reviews.
• Potential incentive compensation based on organizational performance.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Mental Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Time Off

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Volunteer Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave

Professional Development

• Sustainability and ESG Certification Reimbursement
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Professional Membership Support
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Leadership Development Programs

Additional Benefits

• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Resource Groups
• Sustainability Volunteer Opportunities