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Sustainability Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for part-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) with at least 15 hours ...

Sales Associate

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for part-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) with at least 15 hours ...

Sales Associate

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for part-time and full-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) with at ...

Sales Associate

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for part-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) with at least 15 hours ...

Sales Associate

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for full-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) to join our team.

Sales Associate

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

We aim to make fashion more sustainable by giving life to gently used clothes that aren't being worn anymore. We're looking for part-time Fashion Consultants (sales associates) with at least 15 hours ...

Associate Manager, R&D

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Associate Manager, R&D Location: Leesburg, VA or Allendale, NJ (Hybrid - 3 days onsite | Up to 20 ... Lead or actively participate on cross-functional design teams and manage large sustaining projects

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Showing results 1-20

Sustainability Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do sustainability associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sustainability associate in Virginia is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sustainability Associate vs Environmental Analyst?

AspectSustainability AssociateEnvironmental Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in environmental science, sustainability, or related field; certifications like LEED or GRI are commonBachelor's in environmental science, chemistry, or related; certifications like EPA or environmental permits may be needed
Work EnvironmentCorporate sustainability teams, NGOs, consulting firmsGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate sustainability initiatives, non-profits, consultingCommon in environmental compliance, impact assessments, regulatory agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Sustainability Associate and an Environmental Analyst lies in their focus areas. Sustainability Associates typically work within corporate or organizational settings to develop and implement sustainability strategies, while Environmental Analysts focus on assessing environmental impacts and compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

How does a sustainability associate typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a Sustainability Associate, you’ll often work cross-functionally with departments such as operations, facilities, marketing, and procurement to integrate sustainable practices into their workflows. This role requires effective communication and project management skills, as you'll help coordinate initiatives like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing. You may also assist in developing training materials or leading workshops to educate colleagues about sustainability goals. Building strong relationships across teams is key to driving company-wide environmental impact.

What does a sustainability associate do?

A Sustainability Associate supports an organization's sustainability initiatives by researching and implementing environmentally-friendly practices, analyzing data on energy and resource use, and helping to develop strategies to reduce environmental impact. They often work with different departments to ensure compliance with sustainability standards and regulations. Their duties may also include preparing reports, coordinating sustainability projects, and raising awareness about sustainable practices within the organization.

What qualifications do I need to work in sustainability?

Sustainability associates typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field. Relevant skills include data analysis, project management, and knowledge of environmental regulations; certifications like LEED or ISSP can enhance prospects.

Is sustainability still a good career?

Sustainability is a growing field with increasing demand for professionals like Sustainability Associates who develop environmental strategies and implement eco-friendly practices. The sector offers opportunities across industries such as renewable energy, corporate responsibility, and environmental consulting, often requiring skills in data analysis and certifications like LEED or ISO standards. As organizations prioritize sustainability goals, careers in this area are expected to remain relevant and expanding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sustainability associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sustainability Associate, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, sustainability practices, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as environmental studies or sustainability. Familiarity with sustainability reporting tools (like GRI or CDP), environmental management systems, and sometimes LEED or similar certifications is often required. Strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills help drive initiatives and engage stakeholders effectively. These abilities are crucial for implementing impactful sustainability programs and ensuring organizational compliance with environmental goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sustainability jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Sustainability jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sustainability Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sustainability Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Sustainability Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,972 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Senior Energy and Sustainability Engineer

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Virginia's Office for Sustainability is seeking a Senior Energy and Sustainability Engineer.
This position is a core member of the University of Virginia's Office for Sustainability team and will contribute to developing solutions to meet University-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. Reporting to the Sustainability Engineering Manager, this position focuses on supporting innovative projects that incorporate best practices in sustainability and conservation in the use of energy, water, raw materials, and other resources through technical analyses, retro-commissioning, energy audits, and construction management.
This role is a unique opportunity to make a direct and measurable impact to help achieve UVA's sustainability goals, including being carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel-free by 2050. The Office for Sustainability's award-winning Building Efficiency Program has undertaken projects in more than 75 buildings over the past ten years, avoiding energy costs of $3.7 million in the past year alone.
Sustainability at the University is interdisciplinary, multi-faceted and highly collaborative, encompassing academics, research, and operations and a range of topics, including greenhouse gases, energy, water, waste, food, and civic engagement.
We support workplace flexibility when appropriate, but 100% remote work is not possible. The department will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.
Responsibilities:
Project and Construction Management Duties:
  • Scope, manage, and complete Building Efficiency Program projects.
  • Develop project scope, project budgets, maintain and track progress, expenses, and energy cost recovery throughout project payback period and through completion.
  • Develop proposals, get buy-in from stakeholders, develop project budget and schedule.
  • Gather documentation to fulfill permitting requirements.
  • Maintain detailed task lists to track progress on multiple projects.
  • Conduct periodic project meetings and site visits with stakeholders to track progress.
  • Oversee contractors from scoping to procurement and execution of the work.
  • Foster communication with team members, project stakeholders, and contractors.
  • Serve as customer's point of contact for receiving project questions or technical issues.

Engineering Duties:
  • Support Building Efficiency Program projects.
  • Confirm existing conditions from record drawing archive reviews, site visits, and building automation system analyses.
  • Find and diagnose building system deficiencies, recommend and implement solutions.
  • Develop lists of energy conservation measures to implement.
  • Provide engineering calculations and analysis of building systems.
  • Perform HVAC ventilation and airflow calculations to determine optimized setpoints.
  • Develop HVAC documents including airflow diagrams, airflow setpoints and pressurization plans.
  • Develop HVAC controls sequences of operation and control diagrams.
  • Perform lighting calculations, select light fixtures and controls, and develop lighting plans.
  • Procure building system components to support scope of work.
  • Coordinate with occupants, stakeholders and contractors to meet construction schedules.
  • Perform site inspection walk-throughs with contractors to ensure completion of scope of work.
  • Review design projects for compliance with UVA's Green Building Standards.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related engineering field.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of related experience, which may include commercial building HVAC design or project management, HVAC controls engineering, commissioning, energy performance contracting, or similar fields.

Preferred Experience:
  • Licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred.
  • Accreditation as a EIT (Engineering in Training), CEM (Certified Energy Manager), ASHRAE Building Commissioning Professional Certification (BCxP), Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Associate, LEED Accredited Professional.
  • Experience with laboratory and/or healthcare HVAC design or commissioning.
  • Experience with lighting and lighting control systems. Hands-on experience with lighting control systems such as Acuity nLight, Lutron Quantum.
  • Hands-on experience with HVAC building automation systems such as Johnson Controls Metasys and Automated Logic WebCTRL.
  • Experience with energy modeling software.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of building energy systems, utility metering metrics and commissioning.
  • Proficient in developing advanced spreadsheets and using tools such as Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to navigate and interpret data analytics tools and reports, such as Tableau.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills for making progress on multiple concurrent projects.
  • Takes initiative and manages tasks to meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with stakeholders.
  • Attention to detail and quality.

Compensation:
The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $110,000 - $118,000; based on education and experience. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:
  • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
  • Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  • Tuition and professional development benefits
  • Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

Physical Demands:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers, however, regular visits to inspect existing buildings and construction sites will be required. The job does occasionally require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
To Apply:
Please apply online and search for R0085484. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Note: Multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV/Resume box. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documents will not receive full consideration .
This position is open until filled
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter hjv5vm@virginia.edu .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819