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. / 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).

• 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…