Job Description/Specification:
AECOM is seeking an experienced GSAS Specialist to lead sustainability initiatives and manage environmental compliance for large-scale international airport projects. The position focuses on managing the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification process and ensuring that project activities meet sustainability objectives, certification criteria, and applicable environmental requirements.
The successful candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, multidisciplinary design teams, and regulatory authorities. The role requires extensive GSAS experience, airport project management expertise, and the ability to guide project teams toward targeted sustainability certification levels.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm working across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. Its services cover the project lifecycle, including advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management, and construction management.
With a global workforce of more than 50,000 professionals, AECOM collaborates with public- and private-sector clients to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The company emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, professional development, and collaboration to address complex infrastructure challenges.
Key Responsibilities of a GSAS Specialist
GSAS Certification Management
The GSAS Specialist will lead the certification process from project planning through final certification. Responsibilities include managing the documentation process, reviewing submissions, and ensuring that project activities comply with the applicable GSAS criteria and sustainability standards.
The specialist will also coordinate with relevant certification bodies and authorities to facilitate successful certification and help project teams achieve the targeted rating levels.
Design Review and Environmental Compliance
The role involves reviewing architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and infrastructure designs to confirm alignment with GSAS requirements.
The successful candidate will monitor compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability objectives throughout the design and construction phases. Sustainability assessments, audits, and compliance reviews will be important parts of the role.
Sustainability Strategy and Implementation
The GSAS Specialist will advise project teams on practical sustainability measures, including:
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Energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
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Water conservation and efficient resource use.
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Waste management practices.
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Indoor environmental quality.
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Sustainable material selection.
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Environmental protection and resource conservation.
The specialist will also monitor construction activities to verify that agreed sustainability measures are implemented properly and identify potential risks requiring corrective or preventive action.
Stakeholder Coordination and Reporting
Effective coordination is essential when managing sustainability certification on large airport projects. The role requires collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, project stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
Additional duties include preparing sustainability reports, progress updates, compliance records, and certification documentation for management and relevant authorities. The specialist will also provide technical guidance and mentoring to project teams on GSAS requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
AECOM specifies the following requirements:
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A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
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Mandatory: Certified GSAS Specialist (CGSAS) qualification or equivalent GSAS accreditation.
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At least 10 years of knowledge and hands-on experience implementing and managing GSAS requirements and certification.
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At least 5 years of management experience on large international airport projects.
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Proven experience managing sustainability certification for complex infrastructure or aviation projects.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate both technical knowledge of GSAS requirements and practical experience coordinating certification activities across complex project teams.
Skills That Support Success in This Role
The position requires strong technical judgment, sustainability knowledge, and project coordination capabilities. Successful candidates should be comfortable reviewing multidisciplinary designs, interpreting certification criteria, monitoring construction compliance, and managing detailed documentation.
Communication and leadership are also important. The GSAS Specialist must explain technical requirements clearly, support project teams in implementing sustainability measures, and coordinate with stakeholders to address compliance issues and certification risks.
Experience in airport infrastructure is particularly relevant because the role specifically requires management experience on large international airport projects.
Benefits and Career Development
AECOM states that its benefits may vary according to employment status. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:
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Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.
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Paid time off and leave provisions.
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Voluntary benefits and employee perks.
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Flexible work options and well-being resources.
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Employee assistance programs and business travel insurance.
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Service recognition awards.
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Retirement savings plans and employee stock purchase plans.
AECOM also highlights professional training, career development, access to technical experts, and opportunities to contribute to major infrastructure projects.
All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
Interview Preparation Tips
Candidates should prepare examples of GSAS certification projects they have managed, particularly those involving large international airports or complex aviation infrastructure. Be ready to explain how you coordinated certification documentation, reviewed multidisciplinary designs, monitored construction compliance, and addressed sustainability risks.
It is also useful to discuss practical approaches to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable material selection. Examples demonstrating stakeholder coordination, technical mentoring, and successful management of certification milestones can help establish relevant experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main responsibility of the GSAS Specialist?
The primary responsibility is to manage GSAS certification and ensure sustainability and environmental compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Is GSAS certification mandatory?
Yes. A Certified GSAS Specialist (CGSAS) qualification or equivalent GSAS accreditation is mandatory.
3. How much professional experience is required?
The job description requires at least 10 years of GSAS implementation and certification experience, including at least 5 years of management experience on large international airport projects.
4. What educational qualifications are accepted?
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
5. Where is the position located?
The supplied description identifies the work model as on-site but does not specify the exact project location.