Sustainability Specialist

WHO WE ARE

We’re an entrepreneurial, fast-growing team of project managers, estimators, superintendents, safety and administrative support personnel. As leaders in quality construction management, we’re committed to providing impeccable service to our clients, a safe work environment for our team, and an opportunity for our employees to grow and enjoy the benefits of work/life balance. Here at ALLY, we cultivate a collaborative environment that values tenacity, attention to detail, and comradery. Since outstanding customer service is our best product, we strive to build long-lasting relationships with our entire customer base.

POSITION SUMMARY

ALLY is hiring a Sustainability Specialist to join our team in Mount Laurel, NJ to help us achieve our sustainability goals. Reporting to the HR Generalist, the Sustainability Specialist is responsible for managing, coordinating, facilitating, and advising the development, implementation, monitoring and improvement of policies, and initiatives that promote local environmental, energy, economic, and social sustainability both internally and externally. This position is responsible for supporting our growing culture of sustainability by coordinating and promoting sustainability stewardship initiatives, particularly in the areas of environmental, labor, and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This role is responsible for developing and overseeing ALLY's sustainability strategy, practices, and initiatives to include conducting research, gathering and analyzing data, and optimizing sustainability performance. In this role, you will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders on sustainability-related data management, reporting, and program implementation to further advance the Company's position as a sustainability leader within the Construction Management Services industry.

The ideal candidate is someone passionate about sustainability and has a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles, practices, and metrics. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, a deep knowledge of sustainability principles, and the ability to develop and implement innovative strategies and solutions are required. We are looking for an individual who is highly organized, able to prioritize tasks, and work with minimal supervision. A keen eye for detail and the ability to think critically about sustainability issues is a must. The Sustainability Specialist should also be able to work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders and have a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

• Support development and implementation of sustainability processes aligned with ALLY’s corporate objectives and industry best practices.
• Share oversight of Sustainability Committee, as prioritized by VP of Communications and Engagement, to help accomplish key initiatives.
• Assist with collection, analysis, and interpretation of data pertaining to environmental impact, resource consumption (g. water), carbon emissions (including Scopes 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory data), and waste generation.
• Utilize advanced analytical tools and software to derive insights and identify trends crucial for sustainability decision-making. Support development of data handling processes and controls.
• Support regular requests for sustainability from multiple sources and applications such as for business development and speaking engagements. This includes maintaining a list of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and co-developing an auditable tracking process (LEED Aps, CEMs).
• Support third-party verification/audits of environmental data and setting a GHG reduction target using the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• Assess ALLY’s sustainability performance against industry benchmarks and corporate targets.
• Assist with submission requirements associated with external disclosure, i.e. Ecovadis.
• Prepare internal and external reports and presentations to communicate progress, achievements, and areas for improvement in connection with ALLY’s strategic sustainability program. Ensure transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts.
• Assist with implementation of an annual Sustainability Report or other reporting needs, as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on sustainability strategies and action plans. Propose, with support of VP of Communications and Engagement, innovative initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental footprint and enhancing social responsibility.
• Stay abreast of environmental and sustainability regulations and standards, ensuring compliance and adherence. Help develop and implement protocols to uphold our commitment to sustainability.
• Work with project teams to innovate and implement new sustainable solutions to waste, carbon, and water.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy solutions into construction projects. Evaluate technologies, systems, and materials to optimize energy performance and reduce carbon footprint.
• Develop waste management plans and initiatives to minimize construction waste and promote recycling and reuse of materials. Implement tracking and reporting systems to monitor waste diversion and achieve sustainability goals.
• Develop water conservation strategies to track and reduce water use.
• Provide education and training on sustainability initiatives and best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and innovations in regenerative design and assist with research and analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in sustainability practices.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to drive best practices, innovation, standard systems, and adoption.
• Organize a list of green organization memberships enterprise wide and co-develop method to leverage value and share best practices from each.
• Engage with key teams to ensure collaboration and innovation across project sites.
• Assist in collaborating with suppliers to identify sustainability best practices and engage subs in tracking and resource reduction programs.
• Work with the Preconstruction and Estimating team, as well as clients, at the beginning of projects, to determine best sustainable practices for project completion.
• Provide input and subject matter expertise on a wide range of sustainability efforts ranging from energy, water, and waste reductions to transportation planning, and employee wellness.
• Collaborate with team members across multiple departments to improve ongoing sustainability initiatives and generate new ideas for future.
• Provide program support for behavioral change and employee awareness campaigns.
• Assist with planning and delivering employee engagement events and communications for company sustainability program.
• Prepare informational materials related to sustainability for different audiences (e.g. clients, staff, leadership, and community partners).
• Help to identify KPIs and compile data from various departments to support tracking of key performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Committee, as well as other internal departments, to maintain ALLY’s sustainability reporting and disclosures for annual reports and other presentations, disclosures, and assessments to ensure timely, consistent, and accurate reporting.
• Partner with teams to identify and execute carbon emission reductions for our organization.
• Work with internal teams to identify and implement opportunities and controls (procedures, trainings, etc.) to systemize and formalize data collection, quality assurance, and reporting processes.
• Manage internal or third-party validations and audits of sustainability data.
• Translate sustainability-related topics and summarize data to others at various levels of understanding to drive program awareness and communicate program goals and results.
  
• Participate in ESG and DE&I events and conferences for continuing education and networking opportunities.
• Attend virtual seminars and webinars to keep up with the latest trends.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSA)

• Possess ALLY’s core values:
  • Be a trustworthy ALLY with uncompromising ethics delivering allegiance, honesty, and fairness.
  • Work with integrity, accountability, and commitment.
  • Appreciate and respect the company culture of comradery in a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
  • Think Safety First
  • Passionate about giving back to others.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability studies, or a related experience is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience working in a sustainability role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable development practices, policies, and metrics.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing sustainability strategies and initiatives.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate with both internal and external departments and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including explaining key sustainability concepts to stakeholder groups with varied levels of understanding.
• Ability to build relationships with key company business leaders, researchers, and community partners.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Good interpersonal skills capability to generate enthusiasm for sustainability and communicate effectively and with good clarity, even with complex elements.
• Capacity to analyze complex data, synthesize and communicate it clearly; willingness to search and understand.
• Strong ability to prioritize and execute tasks and conform to shifting priorities and timelines.
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed and must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to be flexible and work with ambiguity.
• Must be a team player.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, this position requires sitting for long periods of time, look at a computer monitor for extended periods, use of hands and fingers, and reach with their hands and arms.
• Client site pending, work environments can involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Client site pending, walking within a 400-acre campus.
• Lifting or moving up to 15 pounds may be required. 


ALLY Construction Services offers a competitive salary and benefits package. To be considered, please email us your resume with the position you’re applying as the subject line to HR@ALLYConstructionServices.com.

ALLY Construction Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants are considered regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, family responsibility, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.