Sustainability Development Specialist

*This position is grant funded through the Denver Regional Council of Government (DRCOG) Building Policy Collaborative program. The duration of this appointment is guaranteed until fall 2029.

Hiring salary is dependent upon experience.

The hiring range is $80,680.24 - 89,644.71 / annually.

Join our team as a Sustainable Development Specialist and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable building practices! Under the guidance of the Sustainability Manager, you will serve as a key resource and liaison for the building and development community, ensuring that projects align with the Sustainability Index outlined in our recently amended Land Development Code. This position allows you to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and the practical needs of developers, architects, and engineers, fostering innovation and best practices in the built environment. Your expertise will be crucial in reviewing projects and permits to guarantee compliance with environmental standards while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainable design. By collaborating through our Green Initiatives Program, you will empower stakeholders to navigate compliance seamlessly, reduce environmental impact, and elevate the value of their projects. If you're passionate about driving sustainability in development and want to make a meaningful difference, we want to hear from you!

You will work closely with the Economic and Community Vitality (ECV) Division, Community Development (CD) Department, and external partners like the Colorado Energy Office and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides expert advice on how to meet the Sustainability Index requirements, interpreting the index’s metrics and benchmarks for buildings and developments
• Serves as a central point of contact for tools, checklists, and best practices to help stakeholders plan, design, and construct projects that score well on the index
• Coordinates between regulatory agencies, industry partners, and project teams to align expectations, resolve ambiguities, and streamline approval processes
• Completes reviews on time, working toward compliance on a progressively shorter review schedule
• Oversees the implementation of green building initiatives, integrating sustainability metrics into project planning and monitoring, and using data analytics to track performance and compliance
• Offers workshops, webinars, or on-site support to help the community understand the index’s requirements and the benefits of exceeding them
• Conducts research, analyzes data, and prepares clear, technical reports and presentations
• Develops educational materials and public communication campaigns
• Applies analytical methods to evaluate administrative, organizational, and procedural issues
• Stays current on trends, technologies, and best practices in energy, code enforcement, and sustainability
• Identifies potential compliance risks early and develop mitigation strategies to avoid penalties or delays
• Organizes training and certification opportunities for City staff, local contractors, homeowners, inspectors, designers, and the construction community
• Leverages Colorado Energy Office (CEO) training funds and regional partnerships to ensure stakeholders are equipped to meet energy code requirements and adopt high-performance building practices. Organize training for City staff on certifications such as LEED, Certified Energy Manager, and Building Performance Institute
• Jurisdictional Support subaward. Assist with tracking performance metrics, prepare progress reports, and coordinates with DRCOG and other funders to ensure deliverables are met and funding is maximized
• Reviews and advises staff on International Code Council (ICC), International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and local code amendments adoptions as they pertain to sustainability
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Energy Policy, Environmental Policy, Natural Resource Management, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university. One to three years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability, energy policy, planning, code implementation, or building performance programs. LEED GA certification or other LEED certification A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• deep knowledge of sustainability standards e.g., LEED, Green Globes, and local Sustainability Index criteria
• building codes, land use development codes, environmental regulations, and green building certification processes

Skill in

• strong project and program management skills to coordinate multiple related initiatives
• data analysis and reporting abilities to evaluate project performance against sustainability targets
• excellent communication skills to translate technical requirements into actionable guidance for diverse stakeholders

Ability to

• communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with internal teams and the public
• work independently or collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and strong critical thinking

Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities

• Driving: May need, or have ability, to drive a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business
• Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including planning and design software, GIS software, and Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Other Equipment: Large format printers and copiers
• Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying. Requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand-eye movement
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires
• Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. Will require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events. May require attendance at off-site meetings.
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time. May be exposed to extreme heat, cold, dry, wet, odors, smoke, loud noises, vibrations, dust or intense light.
• Additional Working conditions: May be required to visit external, non-city work sites with the City having limited control over the work environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications. Employees are accountable for all duties associated with this position.

The City of Commerce City is an equal opportunity employer.

Process Overview:

Apply Today: Please complete and submit an online application, INCLUDING A RESUME and COVER LETTER, to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and determine starting pay in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Qualification Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications weekly.

Application Review: Applications will be reviewed weekly. Applications from candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the hiring manager, who will review materials.

Phone Screen(s): Due to the high volume of applications, phone screens may be conducted to identify the best-qualified candidates.

Interview(s): We aim to schedule in-person interviews with candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the application review and phone screen (if applicable).