How to hire a lead sustainability specialist

How to hire a lead sustainability specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lead sustainability specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a lead sustainability specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lead sustainability specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the lead sustainability specialist you need to hire. Certain lead sustainability specialist roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A lead sustainability specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, lead sustainability specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of lead sustainability specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Lead Sustainability Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Lead Sustainability Specialist		$23-61
   Director Of Sustainability	A director of sustainability is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the environment of the company's premises, including the efficiency of processes and the production impact on society. Directors of sustainability ensure that the business operates under strict adherence to regulatory requirements and environmental conservation... Show more	$38-86
   Sustainability Manager	A Sustainability Manager is responsible for managing the company's commitment to nature and eco-friendly efforts by ensuring that the production processes do not harm the environment and its inhabitants in any way. Sustainability Managers evaluate the resources used, recycling initiatives, and facilitating training and programs for the employees that would promote sustainability operations... Show more	$15-68

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Renewable Energy
   • EHS
   • Sustainability Goals
   • Combat
   • Sustainability Initiatives

   Responsibilities:

   • Prepare annual GHG emissions statement, manage annual assurance with auditors, and assist with sustainability reporting.
   • Reviewed/Revise current technical methodologies, coordinate validations of new assays, independently troubleshoot problems relating to routine operations of the laboratory.
   • Harmonize corporate philanthropy efforts to more closely align with business objectives and CSR initiatives.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your lead sustainability specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A lead sustainability specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, lead sustainability specialists' average salary in colorado is 38% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lead sustainability specialists 62% less than senior-level lead sustainability specialists.
   • Certifications. A lead sustainability specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a lead sustainability specialist's salary.

   Average lead sustainability specialist salary

   $78,446yearly

   $37.71 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level lead sustainability specialist salary

   $48,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a lead sustainability specialist job description

   A good lead sustainability specialist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a lead sustainability specialist job description:

   Lead sustainability specialist job description example

   Located in Northern California, the Joby Aviation team has worked for more than a decade to design an all-electric aircraft with zero operating emissions. With less per-passenger energy consumption than market-leading electric cars, we intend to build an aerial ridesharing service that will make clean, quiet flight a part of everyday life. Imagine an air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly and quickly carries you over the congestion below, giving you back that time you'd otherwise spend sitting in traffic. Technology has advanced to the point where designing and operating an all-electric aircraft is completely viable.
   
   The Sustainability Lead will be responsible for developing, and executing, the vision and strategy to drive the company's sustainability efforts, as well as the roadmaps for implementing and executing these initiatives. This is a highly cross-functional leadership role that will partner with leaders across the company. The ideal candidate will be an experienced sustainability leader with a proven track record of developing and executing sustainability strategies at scale.
   
   Our Sustainability Team is building a world-class program to address climate change impacts, circular economy, resource conservation, waste reduction and compliance within Joby Aviation. Key initiatives include energy consumption, waste reduction, resource conservation, carbon accounting, emerging green technologies, and ESG reporting using frameworks such as TCFD, SASB, GRI, CDP. The Sustainability Team manages all of Joby's sustainability and environmental partnerships, including consultants relating to operations planning and environmental assessment studies, local industry organizations, and public-private partnerships.
   
   The role will require the Sustainability Lead to develop, implement, and maintain the strategy around programs that ensure operational environmental compliance and influence product environmental impact. Working cross functionally with other teams you will identify sustainable opportunities to further our mission and execute employee-engaging programs that continue to foster and enhance Joby's longstanding culture of sustainability. You will also act as a spokesperson for the business, championing Joby's role as a force for good to the outside world. You will develop and track metrics and assist in defining sustainability goals and measuring our success. WIth this in mind, we're looking for an experienced, hands-on Sustainability professional to lead these initiatives.
   
   This role may be based in any of our San Francisco Bay Area locations (San Carlos, Santa Cruz or Marina).
   
   + Partner with senior business leaders to develop and execute the sustainability strategy for the company that is leading the air transportation industry toward zero operating emissions
   + Develop and implement strategies for achieving sustainability goals throughout the company
   
   + Partner with the Marketing, Communications, Investor Relations, and Government Affairs team to support an engagement plan that raises awareness of our sustainability initiatives and goals, and serve as a credible spokesperson on all ESG topics and drive environmental sustainability policy changes and new programs
   
   + Lead the development of the annual sustainability plan, programs and budget
   
   + Define, standardize, validate and track metrics and report to the Executive Leadership Team and provide guidance on trends and leading initiatives throughout the industry
   
   + Develop a regular cadence of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) reporting that illustrates sustainability success, support validation of claims and progress towards goals
   
   + Draft and prepare reports, presentations, and proposals for senior leadership, investor relations, and other internal and external audiences
   
   + Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Operations to identify opportunities for control plans to sustain energy savings, carbon emission reductions, resource conservation, waste reduction, and other sustainability practices, environmental best practices, sustainable building design and, emerging green technology
   
   + Ensure compliance with, all applicable local, state, federal, and internal environmental laws and regulations including environmental permits (air, wastewater, stormwater)
   
   + Track Federal, State, and local regulations and incentives programs for potential implementation across the company
   
   + Partner with Legal and Finance teams to prepare SEC disclosures related to climate impact
   
   + Lead lifecycle analysis and carbon footprint accounting to support and identify sustainability opportunities within the design process
   
   + Ensure a vibrant and engaged Sustainability Committee
   
   + Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
   
   + 10+ years prior experience with a proven track record in executing sustainability programs and maintaining environmental compliance
   
   + Proven expertise in Sustainability and capacity to act as a change agent.
   
   + Prior experience implementing corporate sustainability metric programs
   
   + High degree of strategic vision and ability to translate that vision into concrete actions/impact.
   
   + Expertise in sustainability standards, frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
   
   + Experienced at engaging with and communicating to key internal and external stakeholders, across a variety of initiatives and industry forums
   
   + Strong relationship management and influencing skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cross functionally with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
   
   + Exceptional leadership and people management experience with proven track record of leading high performing teams and developing talent
   
   + Knowledge of the fundamentals of environmental policy and permitting environmental compliance, environmental sampling analysis
   
   + Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, be proactive, and handle uncertainty and ambiguity
   
   + Skilled in effective communication (both written and verbal)
   
   + MBA, MS Environmental Sustainability or other advanced degree in a relevant discipline strongly preferred.
   
   + 5+ years People management
   
   + Prior experience publishing corporate social and environmental reports
   
   + Prior experience or extensive knowledge of government environmental incentive programs
   
   + Knowledge of global sustainability regulations
   
   Joby Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
   
   ID: 2022-2138
   
   External Company URL: www.jobyaviation.com
   
   Street: 340 Woodpecker Ridge

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find lead sustainability specialists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any lead sustainability specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level lead sustainability specialists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your lead sustainability specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit lead sustainability specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit lead sustainability specialists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new lead sustainability specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect lead sustainability specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new lead sustainability specialist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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