Sustainability Specialist - Construction - Steven Winter Associates - Norwalk, CT

Northeast HERS Alliance; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with match

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Steven Winter Associates (SWA) in Norwalk, CT is seeking a Sustainability Specialist to join our Sustainable Building Services team. In this role you’ll work hands-on in the field (approximately 50% of the time), inspecting residential buildings and guiding teams to meet sustainability goals.

You’ll translate building science into guidance, review plans for performance, and support certifications like ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED.

Qualifications

• BS in architectural engineering, building technologies, architecture, construction management or a building‑related engineering field.
• Strong building science background with knowledge of multifamily systems.
• 1+ year professional experience with building design and construction.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and manage time/projects.
• Onsite experience with construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and test buildings to verify sustainability measures.
• Communicate building science principles to project teams.
• Review drawings and specifications against sustainability goals and recommend improvements.
• Prepare documentation and analyses to support certification programs (ENERGY STAR, Passive House, LEED).
• Conduct research related to sustainability.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Attention to detail

Onsite construction experience

Education

BS in architectural engineering or building-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat/Bluebeam

Construction drawings reading

Job description

Posted: December 15, 2025

Work Authorization: Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Steven Winter Associates (SWA) is not able to sponsor employment-based visas for this role (e.g., H-1B).

What to Know

Steven Winter Associates (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.

Why this Role Matters

At Steven Winter Associates (SWA), we’re committed to creating healthier, low‑carbon buildings, and we’re looking for a Sustainability Specialist to join our Sustainable Building Services team in Norwalk, CT.

In this role, you’ll work hands‑on in the field (approximately 50% of the time), with residential buildings, inspecting, testing, and guiding teams to meet their sustainability goals. You’ll translate complex building science into clear guidance, review plans and specs for performance improvements, and support certifications like ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED. The proposed annual salary for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 based on a 40‑hour work schedule. The final salary may vary depending on confirmed job‑related skills and experience.

How To Apply

• A cover letter is requested for consideration outlining interest.
• SWA is committed to inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
• If you meet at least 75% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Process

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be invited to a phone screen. Successful candidates will then participate in up to 2 additional interview rounds as we move through the selection process.

Responsibilities

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

• Inspect and test buildings, including those under construction, to verify sustainability measures.
• Communicate building science principles and green building program requirements to all members of a project team.
• Review architectural and mechanical drawings, specifications, and submittals against sustainability goals, and make recommendations to optimize performance.
• Prepare and coordinate documentation, calculations, and analysis to support certification programs including but not limited to ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and LEED.
• Conduct technology, program and/or policy research related to sustainability.

Who You Are

• BS in architectural engineering, building technologies, architecture, construction management or a building‑related engineering field.
• Strong building science background with solid knowledge of multifamily mechanical, structural, and thermal envelope systems.
• 1+ year professional experience with building design and construction.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences across written, verbal, and presentation formats.
• Ability to work independently, managing time and projects effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Onsite experience with construction projects.

Technical Skills

• Fluency using Microsoft Office suite plus Adobe Acrobat/Bluebeam for takeoffs.
• Ability to read / review construction drawings and specifications.
• Experienced driver with a clean driving record and confidence navigating urban traffic.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

• HERS Rater, LEED for Homes Green Rater, NGBS Green Verifier or BPI Multifamily Building Analyst.
• Experience with LEED for Homes or Multifamily, HERS Ratings, ENERGY STAR Homes or Multifamily, National Green Building Standard, or Enterprise Green Communities.
• Utility billing analysis and energy saving spreadsheet calculations.
• Energy Code and / or ASHRAE standards.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent movement through active construction sites, including climbing stairs and ladders, bending, reaching, and carrying. The employee may be 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.

• A valid and clean U.S. driving license is required.
• There will be frequent days on construction sites which can be physically demanding.

Travel Requirements

Occasional overnight travel may be required, along with frequent local day travel, including throughout CT, the Boston metro area, and the NYC metro area.

• Must be able to operate a vehicle in dense urban environments and be comfortable using public transportation.

Working Environment

This role requires work on jobsites approximately 50% of the time and remainder primarily in‑office. 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; all team members are expected in the office at least 3‑4 days per week, with flexibility based on job duties and site work.

Benefits and Perks

SWA invests in our people, and we’ve designed a benefits package tailored to meet the needs of our team to include medical, dental, vision, 401k (with match), commuter benefits, etc.

Company Principles

Be visionary. Foster camaraderie. Take ownership. Think holistically. Improve the built environment.

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.