About This PositionMaterials Specialists manage, perform, and deliver technical, materials-focused analysis and strategic consulting to support clients in shaping and achieving materials goals related to embodied carbon, circularity, health, and equity. Materials Specialists may work directly with Materials Analysts by handing off and reviewing tasks, and are guided by senior staff. Specialists will also work with project teams and other internal Brightworks' practices. The role involves working on projects both at the building and portfolio scale, including strategizing around how to communicate requirements clearly and reduce barriers for the project teams to implement them.
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Embodied Carbon-focused Specialist's tasks may include generating whole building lifecycle assessment (WBLCA) models, gathering bill of materials (BOM) data, comparing product certifications, engaging manufacturers, and advocating for industry change, as well as educating peers, designers and owners.
This role requires very strong project management skills as well as OneClick experience.
Essential Duties For This Role - Review and interpret design drawings, design models (unique to embodied carbon), specifications, and submittals.
- Provide design review to confirm compliance with owner's project requirements, and other client and project goals.
- Perform technical analysis, such as one or more of WBLCA, EC3, screening of Red List chemicals using Pharos, healthy materials recommendations, etc.
- Help develop strategies to achieve higher levels of material performance and efficiency.
- Guide clients through programmatic arcs, identify where clients are in their materials programs and consult at the appropriate level to support the maturation of their programs.
- Solicit input and technical guidance from Senior Technical Specialists or Leads on unusual or complex issues.
- Keep abreast of the latest advancements and thinking for materials optimization and share knowledge with the rest of the staff.
Grade Responsibilities - Lead client-facing projects and collaborate with senior staff to clarify high-level client goals, staffing resources, project budget, and expected deliverables.
- Oversee and mentor internal team members so that they develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to deliver projects within scope, on budget, on schedule, and in the Brightworks way.
- Provide QAQC for the delivery of technical analyses, presentations, communications and deliverables to clients within scope, on budget, and on schedule.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships based on expertise, competence, openness, initiative, and trust with existing and prospective clients, practice area leaders, and influencers within the industry.
- Maintain control of the project financials and contracting and complete invoicing, timesheet, and expense approvals per firm timelines.
- Provide input to senior staff to help win projects and meet the company's profitability criteria.
- Support the firm's practice development by acquiring technical expertise, collaborating on firm innovations, and matching industry leadership in sustainability with client needs.
- Foster honest, productive communications throughout the entire firm to support project delivery, business development, and operations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Knowledge and competency reading drawings and specifications, product documentation (HPDs, EPDs, product certifications, etc.)
- Knowledge and competency using relevant software to support one or more of WBLCA, EC3, embodied carbon, or healthy and sustainable materials.
- Understand the materials landscape to leverage industry resources to independently solve problems encountered.
- Apply sound and diverse knowledge of sustainability principles and practices to a broad array of assignments.
Education & Experience Required- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field e.g., engineering, architecture, construction management, environmental science, sustainability, planning, or related disciplines.
- Relevant coursework or internships in sustainability, green building, or project management.
- 5+ years of experience in a complementary field or sustainability project management, including at least three years of experience in technical materials related work, such as one or more of WBLCA, EC3, embodied carbon, or healthy and sustainable materials).
EligibilityAt this time, we are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States without the need for company sponsorship now or in the future.
Job Details Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: The annual salary for this position in Portland, OR is $82,740 - $99,120.
Starting pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, external market value, internal pay equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Starting pay offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. In compliance with Equal Pay for Equal Work Acts, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Location: The preferred location for this position is Brightworks' headquarters office in the Pearl District in Portland, OR. Brightworks' offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, or New York City may be considered.
- Please indicate your preferred location(s) in your application and cover letter.
Office Schedule: Brightworks offers hybrid work schedules of 3 office days and 2 work-from-home days per week.
This position is not eligible to be fully remote.
Direct Reports/Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no direct reports. May provide support to Supervisor by assisting with onboarding, training, and/or mentoring of new hires. May assist Supervisor by mentoring or overseeing junior employees in completing discrete tasks.
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
