Job Description/Specification:
AECOM is seeking an experienced GSAS Specialist to lead sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance for large-scale international airport projects. The role focuses on managing the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification process and ensuring that project activities meet the required sustainability criteria throughout planning, design, construction, and final certification.
The successful candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, multidisciplinary design teams, and regulatory authorities to achieve targeted sustainability ratings. Responsibilities include reviewing technical designs, conducting sustainability assessments, preparing certification documentation, monitoring construction compliance, and advising project teams on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable material selection.
This position is intended for a sustainability professional with substantial hands-on GSAS experience, the required accreditation, and a proven record of managing sustainability certification on major international airport projects.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm working across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. Its services cover the project lifecycle, from advisory and planning to design, engineering, programme management, and construction management.
The company works with public- and private-sector clients to develop innovative, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure solutions. Its global workforce includes planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, and project and construction management professionals.
For this position, AECOM is looking for a specialist who can combine technical sustainability expertise with project coordination, regulatory compliance, and certification management in a complex aviation environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. GSAS Certification Management
- Lead the GSAS certification process from project planning through final certification.
- Ensure compliance with applicable GSAS criteria, sustainability standards, and environmental regulations throughout the project lifecycle.
- Coordinate with certification bodies and relevant authorities to facilitate successful certification.
- Prepare, review, and submit the documentation required for GSAS assessment.
- Work with project stakeholders to achieve the targeted certification levels.
2. Design Review and Technical Coordination
- Review architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and infrastructure designs for alignment with GSAS requirements.
- Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to integrate sustainability requirements into project delivery.
- Provide technical guidance on GSAS criteria and sustainability obligations.
- Identify design-related compliance gaps and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
3. Sustainability Assessments and Construction Monitoring
- Conduct sustainability assessments, audits, and compliance reviews during design and construction.
- Monitor construction activities to confirm that required sustainability measures are implemented.
- Identify sustainability risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Support project teams in maintaining compliance with environmental requirements and sustainability objectives.
- Prepare reports and progress updates for management and relevant regulatory authorities.
4. Environmental Performance and Resource Conservation
- Advise project teams on energy efficiency and improved resource use.
- Support water conservation initiatives and effective waste management.
- Promote suitable indoor environmental quality measures.
- Provide guidance on sustainable material selection.
- Contribute to sustainability strategies tailored to airport infrastructure projects.
5. Stakeholder Guidance and Team Development
- Coordinate sustainability activities across project disciplines and delivery teams.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring on GSAS requirements.
- Communicate certification requirements and compliance expectations to relevant stakeholders.
- Support the implementation of consistent sustainability practices across project phases.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates interested in this GSAS Specialist position must meet the specific requirements stated in the job description:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Certified GSAS Specialist (CGSAS) or equivalent GSAS accreditation is mandatory.
- Minimum of 10 years of knowledge and hands-on experience implementing and managing GSAS requirements and certification.
- Minimum of five years of management experience on large international airport projects.
- Proven experience managing sustainability certification for complex infrastructure or aviation projects.
These requirements make the position particularly relevant to experienced sustainability specialists who have worked on major airport developments and understand the practical coordination needed to achieve certification targets.
Essential Skills for Success
A GSAS Specialist needs strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate sustainability requirements across multiple project disciplines. Experience reviewing design documentation and monitoring construction compliance can help identify issues before they affect certification progress.
Document management and reporting are also important because certification depends on preparing, reviewing, and submitting the required evidence. Strong communication skills help the specialist explain technical requirements to designers, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical experience with sustainability audits, environmental compliance reviews, risk mitigation, and resource conservation strategies in complex infrastructure projects.
Interview Preparation Tips
Candidates preparing for an interview should be ready to explain their experience managing GSAS certification and working on large international airport projects.
Consider preparing examples that demonstrate:
- Your role in achieving or managing a GSAS certification target.
- How you reviewed designs for sustainability compliance.
- How you identified and resolved certification gaps during construction.
- How you coordinated sustainability requirements across architectural, civil, structural, MEP, and infrastructure teams.
- How you monitored environmental measures related to energy, water, waste, or sustainable materials.
- How you managed certification documentation, audits, and communication with stakeholders.
Be prepared to discuss your GSAS accreditation and the specific responsibilities you held on previous airport or infrastructure projects. Use practical examples to demonstrate your ability to manage compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Benefits and Workplace Environment
AECOM states that employee benefits may vary according to employment status and may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.
- Paid time off and leaves of absence.
- Voluntary benefits and employee perks.
- Flexible work options and well-being resources.
- Employee assistance programmes and business travel insurance.
- Service recognition awards.
- Retirement savings plans and employee stock purchase plans.
The company also highlights training and development opportunities, collaboration with global technical experts, and a workplace focused on respect, professional growth, and inclusion.
The job description states that all newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding session at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a GSAS Specialist do at AECOM?
The specialist manages GSAS certification, reviews designs for sustainability compliance, monitors construction measures, prepares certification documentation, and coordinates with project stakeholders.
2. Is GSAS accreditation mandatory?
Yes. The job description specifies Certified GSAS Specialist (CGSAS) or equivalent GSAS accreditation as mandatory.
3. How much experience is required?
Candidates need at least 10 years of hands-on GSAS implementation and certification experience, plus a minimum of five years of management experience on large international airport projects.
4. Is airport project experience required?
Yes. The stated requirements include management experience on large international airport projects and proven sustainability certification experience on complex infrastructure or aviation projects.
5. Which sustainability areas are covered by the role?
The responsibilities include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, sustainable material selection, and environmental compliance.
6. Is the salary specified?
The supplied job description does not provide a salary range or a specific compensation amount.
Sustainability Career Opportunity with AECOM
The GSAS Specialist position offers a senior-level opportunity for professionals with the required accreditation and extensive airport project experience. Candidates who can manage certification processes, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain sustainability compliance from design through construction will be well aligned with the responsibilities outlined for this role.