Sustainability Strategist - Junior

At Gensler we are committed to ensuring that by 2030 all our projects are carbon neutral. The Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) announced in September of 2019 is driving significant effort within our teams and in our partnerships with clients and industry toward aggressive reductions in all operating and embodied carbon associated with the built environment. We are looking for equally committed members to join our team of sustainable design leaders.  

Your Role 

Gensler is seeking an experienced sustainability strategist with design expertise in the built environment, including setting goals on carbon and related performance metrics, quantifying performance of design options, and collaborating with design teams to develop effective strategies to improve performance. The focus of this role is a combination of technical skill, mentorship, and business development across all design types.  

As a Sustainability Strategist at Gensler, you will join a highly creative, collaborative team dedicated to innovative problem solving and design excellence. You will work with the Southcentral Sustainability Consulting team in providing a full spectrum of sustainability advisory and support to clients and project teams, from pre-design through post-occupancy. 

What You Will Do 

Analytics

• Assist on performance analysis with a primary focus on embodied carbon/whole building lifecycle analysis and additional analyses including daylight, energy, solar, and climate assessments

• Identify and maintain awareness of current and emerging technologies, tools, and methods as they impact the delivery of green building design 

• Assist on integration of BIM, lifecycle assessment, energy modeling, daylighting

Certifications

• Assist on LEED process of the Design and Construction consultants for projects in both BD+C and ID+C rating systems (LEED v4/v5)

• Document and submit Architectural LEED credits for review by GBCI

Strategy

• Employing technical analysis and research, you will integrate with design teams to identify opportunities and elevate sustainability for a wide range of world class clients and projects ranging from commercial interiors to ground up buildings and real estate portfolios 

• Assist on work sessions with clients and design teams to build consensus, and develop sustainability strategies for individual projects and across portfolios 

• Coordinate the work of multiple consultants and supervise the work of project team members, including providing training and guidance 

• Stimulate internal knowledge and interest in new innovations, technologies, and approaches, educating staff in their use and application 

Your Qualifications

• 2-4 years of post-graduate experience in a similar role 

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in sustainable building, architecture, engineering, interiors or related field, or equivalent work experience 

• LEED AP with Specialty (BD+C or ID+C preferred)

• Knowledgeable in third-party green building rating systems (LEED, WELL, Fitwel, etc.)  

• Proficient user of building performance simulation and LCA software including Climate Studio, OneClick LCA, or Tally 

• Proficient user of design software including Revit, Rhino

• Innovator, ability to create and successfully implement new programs 

• Detail-oriented, creative problem-solver with a collaborative, solutions-oriented working style 

• Strong communication and relationship management skills 

• Expertise in building systems, building performance analytics, climatic and passive design principles 

• Strong knowledge of integrative design practice, project management, and consultant coordination 

• Strong writing, speaking, organizational skills, and technical presentation ability especially in translating technical topics to broad non-technical audiences

Please provide a well-crafted introduction of yourself as a cover letter explaining your passion for environmental sustainability as it relates to the built environment, along with a portfolio of work. This can include notable projects from past work experience, innovative or environmental designs, or process-oriented tools you have built. Be prepared to discuss previous experience with project certifications. 

This position is in-person. Successful candidates will be located in the Houston, Texas area. If you’re open to relocating to the area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 study ranks Houston in the top 10 Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S.! 

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.