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Assistant Director of Sustainability

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Feb 03, 2026

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Operations and Services, the Assistant Director of Sustainability serves as a strategic leader and key driver of Caltech's sustainability vision. This role leads the Institute's sustainability strategy, programs, and longterm climate goals-integrating sustainability into the culture, operations, and decisionmaking of the Institute.

The Assistant Director champions Caltech's sustainability ambitions to internal and external audiences, amplifying Caltech's reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship. The role provides direct leadership to the Green Labs and Recycling programs, oversees the Caltech Sustainability Internship Program, and guides campus energy management in partnership with the Energy Manager.

Essential Job Duties
  • Lead and mentor sustainability-focused teams, including direct supervision of the Green Labs Coordinator, Recycling Coordinator, and Sustainability Interns; jointly supervise the Energy Manager with the Director of Infrastructure & Utilities.
  • Serve as Caltech's primary voice for sustainability, representing the Institute to internal stakeholders, external partners, and the broader sustainability community.
  • Chair the Caltech Sustainability Council, engaging senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students to drive Institutewide initiatives and policy.
  • Partner with Pasadena Water & Power, representing Caltech on initiatives related to efficiency, demand response, water conservation, and turf replacement.
  • Oversee Caltech's LEED certification programs for new construction and ongoing building operations.
  • Collaborate with Planning, Design & Construction to ensure Caltech's Design Guidelines reflect bestinclass sustainability strategies, technologies, and standards.
  • Own and manage Caltech's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, reduction strategy, and compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
  • Lead environmental impact reduction initiatives, including waste diversion, recycling, water efficiency, and zerowaste strategies.
  • Oversee the Caltech ReStore program, supporting researchers and students by optimizing the reuse and procurement of laboratory materials.
  • Guide fume hood optimization initiatives to enhance safety, reduce energy use, and support operational efficiency.
  • Partner with campus operations to develop and embed sustainability standards across daily operations and long-term planning.
Basic Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in sustainability strategy, programs, and data management.
  • Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with energy, water, and waste diversion systems.
  • Experience managing LEED new construction and/or operations projects.
  • Strong understanding of GHG reporting protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Proven ability to communicate sustainability concepts and inspire action across all levels of an organization.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Exceptional communication, storytelling, and changemanagement skills.
  • LEED AP or other sustainability credentials.
  • Advanced degree in sustainability, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
  • Experience developing and implementing sustainability programs in higher education.
  • Technical knowledge of power generation, energy systems, and complex campus operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence diverse stakeholders to integrate sustainability into daily practice.
Required Documents
  • Resume.
Hiring Range

$132.1 - $150.8K Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.


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