Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist

Buro Happold seeks a full-time Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist in Seattle, WA, preferably Los Angeles. The role involves leading climate-related projects, conducting research and data analysis, and managing teams. Responsibilities include developing project plans, authoring proposals, and delivering high-quality materials to clients. The position emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability and climate action planning across various sectors.
Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist


Buro Happold is focused on shaping the cities and built environment of the future. From visioning to implementation, we work alongside our clients to develop tailor-made and highly effective solutions, providing expertise in policy design, sustainability and resilience, infrastructure, land use, governance, and operations. We take an interdisciplinary approach to each project, using data analytics, evidence-based planning, and stakeholder engagement to bring new ideas, critical thinking, leadership, facilitation skills and an understanding of what it takes for cities today to meet the challenges of tomorrow.


Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.


From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.


Your next role


We are looking for a full-time candidate to join our Advisory team, with a preference for location in Los Angeles. Projects are anticipated to be a mix of strategic planning and technical analysis, ranging across different scales and sectors l . This role is to provide project leadership, technical guidance and support for climate action planning and GHG emission reduction modelling and contribute to the delivery of high-quality materials to our clients.


Your key duties


This role’s responsibilities include helping to lead complex projects, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis and modelling, producing data visualization and graphics, and contributing to the delivery of high-quality materials to our clients. Projects span the public sector, higher education, and corporate environment.


During your time in this role, you can expect to work on some of the following:



Lead complex climate-related projects for external clients, such as climate action plans, GHG inventories, sustainability plans, and other projects focused on mitigation and/or resiliency
Manage climate-related projects, including developing project work plans, scopes, timelines, costing, and specific analyses to be completed
Manage internal teams and external sub consultants, providing clear direction, feedback, and structure to engagements
Support business development, by authoring proposals, joining client pitches, and writing scopes of work in collaboration with Buro Happold leadership
Research and provide direction in development of recommendations
Oversee creation of, or personally create and deliver reports, presentations, models, and other deliverable for key stakeholders
Build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi-governmental entities, private sector clients, civic and community organizations, cultural and professional organizations, and advocacy groups
Facilitate workshops clients around sustainability, resilience, and climate mitigation
Provide overall guidance and management of junior staff
Participate in local Professional Associations






Your skills and experience


The successful applicant will have a degree in urban planning, urban policy, economics, real estate, sustainability management, engineering, or similar. The following experience and skills are expected:



7+ years of consulting experience in a climate-, resilience- or sustainability-related field.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
Well-versed in GHG Protocol and carbon accounting approach & frameworks
Well-versed in GHG mitigation strategies and pathway options for achieving Net Zero emissions
Strong quantitative analysis skills and experience delivering projects which include complex data analysis, energy assessments, GHG accounting and forecasting
Ability to manage projects against tight timelines, manage the contributions of internal and external collaborators, and have a proactive and collaborative style
Ability to effectively communicate complex climate mitigation and GHG emissions concepts, in written and oral form, to a diverse range of professionals
Extensive experience with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is preferred
Knowledge of and/or interest in economic development, environmental justice, and urban revitalization
PMP certification or experience with Power BI or Tableau is a plus
We encourage candidates to apply even if they don't meet every qualification

What we offer


As a vital member of our team, and in return for your expertise, inclusive approach and commitment, we will provide a competitive salary and the chance to join a passionate and welcoming team. What we offer:



Salary range of $110,000 to $145,000. This will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience
Competitive salary & benefits
Annual discretionary bonus
Generous PTO (4 weeks) in addition to 10 paid holidays
401k with company match
Hybrid working option & summer hours
Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
Global network of experts
Learning and development opportunities

A place for everyone


Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.


Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.


We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.


Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.


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