Sustainability Consultant (Buildings)

Steven Winter Associates; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. in Norwalk, CT, is seeking a Sustainability Consultant / Green Rater to inspect and guide multifamily buildings toward certification goals, improving energy performance and indoor environmental quality.

You will work with project teams to apply ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED standards, review drawings, and prepare necessary documentation. This role emphasizes on-site work, field testing, and staying current with codes and programs.

Qualifications

• HERS Rater credential preferred; alternate construction inspection experience considered.
• 2-5 years of experience in building design and construction, including onsite experience.
• B.S. in architectural engineering, building technologies, construction management, architecture, or a building-related engineering field.
• Ability to read and review construction drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and test multifamily buildings to verify sustainability measures are implemented.
• Clearly communicate building science principles and green building program requirements to project teams.
• Review drawings and submittals, offering recommendations to optimize performance.
• Prepare documentation, calculations, and analyses to support certification programs (ENERGY STAR, Passive House, LEED).
• Conduct research on emerging sustainability technologies, programs, and policies.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Self-motivated

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

Bluebeam

Education

B.S. in architectural engineering, building technologies, construction management, architecture, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

Bluebeam

Job description

Work Authorization Notice

We're only able to hire candidates with current, valid U.S. work authorization. This role does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Why Steven Winter Associates?

At SWA, you’re not just joining a company, you’re joining an employee‑owned team committed to making buildings healthier, more sustainable, and lower‑carbon.

• Be part of a collaborative and supportive environment where your ideas matter.
• Work on real projects, seeing the impact of your work in the field and in communities.
• Learn from experienced building science professionals.

Why This Role Matters

We are seeking a Sustainability Consultant / Green Rater to join our Sustainable Building Services team in Norwalk, CT. In this role, you will work hands‑on with new and existing multifamily buildings to inspect, test, and guide teams toward meeting sustainability goals. This role helps make sure that buildings perform as intended, improving energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and creating healthier places for people to live. Your expertise will support certifications including ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED, ensuring that building science principles are translated into actionable steps that improve energy performance.

The proposed annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000 based on a 40‑hour work schedule. The final salary may vary depending on confirmed job‑related skills and experience.

Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Inspect and test buildings, including under construction, to verify sustainability measures are implemented.
• Clearly communicate building science principles and green building program requirements to project teams.
• Review architectural and mechanical drawings, specifications, and submittals, offering recommendations to optimize performance.
• Prepare documentation, calculations, and analyses to support certification programs (ENERGY STAR, Passive House, LEED, etc.).
• Conduct research on emerging sustainability technologies, programs, and policies.

Who You Are

• HERS Rater credential is preferred (will consider alternate construction inspection experience).
• 2‑5 years of experience in building design and construction, including onsite experience.
• B.S. in architectural engineering, building technologies, construction management, architecture, or a building‑related engineering field.
• Ability to read and review construction drawings and specifications.
• Solid knowledge of building science includes multifamily mechanical, structural, and thermal envelope systems.

What You Bring

• Excellent communicator, able to explain complex ideas clearly in writing, verbal, and presentations.
• Proven ability to work independently, managing time and projects effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Well‑developed interpersonal skills, maturity, credibility, and integrity.
• Collaborative team player, with a strong focus on achieving collective goals.
• Self‑motivated, passionate, and dedicated to improving the built environment.
• Proficient in standard business software (MS Office), Adobe Acrobat, and Bluebeam.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and confidence navigating urban environments.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

• Certifications such as HERS, LEED for Homes Green Rater, BPI Multifamily Building Analyst, or NGBS Green Verifier.
• Experience with green building certification programs (LEED for Homes, ENERGY STAR Homes, National Green Building Standard, Enterprise Green Communities).
• Knowledge of energy codes and/or ASHRAE standards.
• Experience analyzing utility data and performing energy‑related spreadsheet calculations.

Physical Requirements

• This is a heavy field‑based position requiring frequent movement through active construction sites, including climbing stairs and ladders, bending, reaching, and carrying equipment.
• The employee is 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.
• This role involves frequent visits to construction sites, which can be physically demanding.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional overnight travel may be required (Less than 10%).
• Frequent local field visits across CT, the Boston metro and the NYC metro area (estimated at 50%).
• Ability to drive in dense urban environments and navigate public transportation.
• A valid and clean U.S. driving license is required.

Working Environment

• Recent hires may be required to work in‑office five days per week during onboarding, with potential for a flexible schedule after necessary training and supervisor approval (> 1 day/ per week).
• 50% of the time on construction sites; remainder in‑office.

EEO and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

SWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): SWA is a workplace where we are aware of and welcoming of the ways in which we are all diverse as evidenced by a culture of listening and understanding. We endeavor to create a workplace where people feel empowered to act; a safe place where people are open to discussing different views; ongoing education opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to build a culture of belonging and accountability.

What to Know

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) is a proud employee‑owned firm that’s been transforming the built environment for over 50 years. Our mission is to make buildings and communities more sustainable, energy efficient, accessible, healthy, and resilient. Working with architects, engineers, developers, owners, and managers, our team of consultants is always pushing boundaries, collaborating, and problem‑solving to deliver solutions that benefit people and the planet. Join us and become part of a company where your work helps shape a better future, and where your voice matters.

For further information on Steven Winter Associates, Inc., please visit http://www.swinter.com.