Graduate Sustainability Consultant (Start ASAP)

HTU; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor program

Career development

Professional accreditation support

Hybrid work

Parental leave

Employee ownership

Job summary

Northrop is seeking a motivated graduate to develop technical skills in sustainability, energy modelling, and environmental design. You'll own real project deliverables within our Integrated Buildings division and work closely with experienced consultants.

You will use DesignBuilder, NatHERS tools, eTool, and Excel-based analytics to test performance and contribute to Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, and BASIX submissions. Flexible hybrid work and strong mentorship are provided.

Qualifications

• Educational background in sustainability or built-environment disciplines is preferred.
• Strong modelling or software skills with exposure to 3D/energy simulation tools is desirable.
• Interest in consulting and communicating with clients in a fast-paced environment is valued.
• Familiarity with industry frameworks and rating tools (NABERS, Green Star, NatHERS, BASIX, etc.) is a plus.
• Clear communication, curiosity, collaboration, and willingness to work from a CBD office are expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform energy, carbon, daylight, thermal comfort, water balance, and LCA modelling across diverse building projects.
• Utilise 3D modelling and energy simulation tools to test and improve building performance.
• Support project submissions for Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, and BASIX benchmarks.
• Read architectural and engineering drawings to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements and prepare documentation.
• Research regenerative strategies for buildings and precincts.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and internal engineering teams.

Skills

Sustainability analytics

Technical modelling

Consulting mindset

Regulatory & rating familiarity

Communication & collaboration

Education

Degree in Sustainability Studies / Sustainable Building Design / Environmental / Mechanical / Architectural Engineering / Renewable Energy

Tools

DesignBuilder

NatHERS software

eTool

Job description

We're looking for a motivated graduate with some practical experience in building sustainability, energy modelling or environmental design who is ready to develop their technical skills while taking ownership of real project deliverables!

Why Northrop

At Northrop, you’ll contribute to real-world projects from day one, work alongside experienced consultants, and be trusted with responsibility early in your career. You’ll join a team that is genuinely passionate about sustainable design, regenerative practices, and building a climate-resilient future.

We’re an employee‑owned engineering and sustainability consultancy with over 500 people across NSW, ACT, QLD, and VIC. Because we are employee‑owned, our leaders are accessible, decisions are made locally by people who understand the work, and good ideas can come from anywhere.

We’ve been recognised by Prosple as one of Australia’s Top 100 Graduate Employers, earning workplace awards across overall satisfaction, employee engagement, training, green initiatives, and social responsibility.

What We Provide

• A dedicated mentor and buddy, plus a strong graduate network

• Monthly career conversations and structured professional development

• Internal and external training, with financial support towards professional accreditations

• Exposure to different projects, sectors (health, education, commercial, industrial, residential, and precincts), and disciplines

• Industry-benchmarked salary with annual reviews

• Genuine flexibility, including hybrid working and flexible hours

• Paid parental leave and wellbeing support

• A supportive culture with regular social activities and company events

There isn't one Northrop career path. We'll give you the experience, support, and opportunities to build one that works for you.

What You’ll Own

Support Northrop’s Climate Action goals! As part of our Integrated Buildings division, you will:

• Perform energy, carbon, daylight, thermal comfort, water balance, and life cycle assessment (LCA) modelling across diverse building projects.

• Utilise 3D modelling, simulation, and rating software—such as DesignBuilder, NatHERS tools, eTool, and Excel-based analytical tools—to test, verify, and improve building performance.

• Support project submissions for key benchmarks including Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, and BASIX.

• Read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings to identify opportunities for optimised sustainable performance and prepare certification documentation.

• Research best‑practice regenerative strategies for buildings, precincts, and infrastructure.

• Work closely with external project managers and architects, as well as Northrop’s internal Building Services (Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic), Civil, and Structural teams.

What You Bring

We are seeking curious, collaborative, and analytical graduates who light up when talking about sustainable design and making the built environment better for people and the planet.

You thrive in a vibrant office environment, valuing the rapid learning, mentorship, and everyday connection that comes from collaborating face‑to‑face with experienced team members.

Ideal Qualifications & Skills:

• Educational Background: Degree in Sustainability Studies, Sustainable Building/Design, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Renewable Energy. Studies focusing directly on sustainability and the built environment are strongly preferred.

• Technical & Modelling Aptitude: You enjoy technical modelling, possess strong software skills, or have direct exposure to tools such as DesignBuilder, NatHERS software, eTool, or similar 3D/energy simulation software.

• Consulting Mindset: Prior exposure or a strong interest in the consulting side of engineering—working in a fast‑paced environment, communicating clearly with clients, and collaborating across disciplines.

• Industry Framework Familiarity: Exposure to regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and rating tools (NCC, Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX, Passivhaus, etc.).

• Work Ethic & Values: Strong communication skills, curiosity to challenge convention, a collaborative mindset, and readiness to work from our CBD office.