Sustainability / LEED Specialist

A Sustainability/LEED Specialist focuses on guiding buildings and infrastructure projects through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process. They evaluate design, construction, and operational practices to ensure compliance with green building standards, emphasizing energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and indoor environmental quality. They often document sustainability performance, recommend improvements, and secure certification, ultimately helping organizations reduce environmental impact and meet regulatory or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Career Snapshot:

Wage Text Here

per year*

Mid Level

Clean Energy & Sustainability

*Estimates are not to be used as fact. Based on publicly available sources.

The Path to Becoming

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Sustainability / LEED Specialist

Step 1

Earn

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High School Diploma or GED

Resources:

Inland Career Education Center

Inland Adult Education Consortium

Southwest Riverside Adult Education

Step 2

Earn a Postsecondary Certificate

Required Training:

Standards Occupational Classifications (SOC) code

SOC 13-1199

Training Programs and Resources:

Academic Programs in Sustainability

-

UC Riverside

Environmental Studies

-

CSU San Bernardino

Sustainability Science & Technology

-

Riverside City College

Environmental Science Transfer

-

Chaffey College

Environmental Studies

-

Mt. San Jacinto College

Sustainable Management Certificate

-

University of Redlands

Green Technician Certificate

-

Norco College

Zero Net Energy Certificate

-

San Bernardino Valley College

Sustainable Sciences

-

Victor Valley College

Engineering Technology Renewable Energy

-

DeVry University

Renewable Energy Specialization

-

DeVry University

Green Building Construction Skills

-

Center for Employment Training (CET)

Building Energy Consultant

-

College of the Desert

Building Energy Systems Professional

-

College of the Desert

Step 3

Find a position or apprenticeship

Required Training:

This career typically involves

6-months on-the-job training

A Day in the Life

As

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Sustainability / LEED Specialist

you can expect to perform these tasks frequently:

Communicate and Coordinate with Stakeholders - Share updates, gather input, and collaborate with supervisors, team members, clients, and external partners through meetings, emails, and reports. Collect, Analyze, and Interpret Data - Gather information from multiple sources, evaluate trends or performance metrics, and translate findings into actionable insights. Plan, Organize, and Prioritize Work Activities - Develop daily and long-term plans, set goals, schedule tasks, and allocate time and resources effectively. Ensure Compliance and Monitor Performance - Review processes, materials, or systems to ensure alignment with regulations, standards, or project requirements, and identify areas for improvement.

Required skills:

What It Takes

Sustainability / LEED Specialist

often have these skills:

Sustainability Strategy and Program Development

-

Developing and implementing strategies, programs, and initiatives that advance sustainability and environmental goals.

Data Analysis

-

Analyzing data or information to understand problems, identify trends, or make informed decisions.

Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge

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Understanding and applying laws, regulations, and industry standards relevant to a specific field or role.

Technical Systems Knowledge

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Understanding the components, functions, and interrelationships of complex technical systems.

Communication

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Conveying information effectively to others — both verbally and in writing.

Find careers that fit your skillset

Career Outlook

169900

Employees in

2022

182100

Employees in

2032

+

7%

Projected
Growth Rate

16210

Annual Projected
Job Openings

Related Occupations

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Sustainability / LEED Specialist

Career Snapshot:

The Path to Becoming

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