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Sr. Associate Sustainability

Rowan Digital Infrastructure United States Added on Sep 5, 2026
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As a Senior Associate of Sustainability, you will bridge the gap between high-level ESG strategy and technical project execution. You will facilitate the integration of decarbonization goals across the entire lifecycle of data center development, from initial site due diligence to final design. Your day-to-day involves collaborating with engineering and energy teams to ensure that greenhouse gas reduction targets and embodied carbon analysis are embedded into the infrastructure that powers our digital world.

This role is critical because data centers are the backbone of the global economy but carry a significant environmental footprint. By working at Rowan, you are at the forefront of greening the digital infrastructure sector, directly influencing how hyperscale customers achieve their net-zero commitments through smarter design and resource efficiency. You will translate complex environmental metrics into actionable development plans that set new industry standards for stewardship.

This suits someone who possesses a technical background in architecture or engineering and feels energized by the challenge of applying sustainability frameworks to large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects.

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves embedding sustainability into the technical DNA of data center projects. You will act as a consultant-in-residence for internal teams, ensuring that environmental objectives are considered during site origination and early design phases. This includes facilitating embodied carbon analysis and monitoring energy and water performance metrics. Beyond technical guidance, you will be responsible for the sustainability reporting cycle. This involves collecting and analyzing complex data sets to satisfy greenhouse gas accounting requirements and customer ESG demands. You will also develop technical reports and investment memos that help stakeholders understand the sustainability risks and opportunities associated with new site developments.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure sector, specifically regarding how massive power requirements can be balanced with aggressive climate goals. There is significant exposure to advanced technical tools like EC3 and One Click LCA, providing you with a masterclass in life cycle assessment within an industrial context. Furthermore, because Rowan is backed by major investors like Blackstone and Quinbrook, you will learn how private equity ESG requirements translate into operational reality. This offers a unique perspective on sustainable finance and corporate accountability that is rare in traditional engineering or design roles.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical fluency and strategic mindset, typically backed by 2-5 years of experience in sustainable design, infrastructure, or ESG consulting. A degree in environmental science, engineering, or architecture is essential to speak the same language as the developers and contractors you will be advising. Soft skills are equally important; you need to be a persuasive communicator who can explain the value of sustainability to cross-functional teams. Holding credentials like LEED AP or ENV SP is highly valued, as is a practical understanding of reporting frameworks like the GHG Protocol or SBTi.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability knowledge and demonstrate a specific understanding of data center impacts, such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) or the nuances of embodied carbon in heavy construction. Highlight any past experience where you successfully influenced a design or construction team to adopt a greener alternative. Since this is a hybrid role in Denver, emphasize your ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment. Showcasing your proficiency with project management tools like Procore alongside sustainability software will signal that you are ready to hit the ground running on day one.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on decarbonizing the built environment. This includes managing the carbon footprint of construction materials (embodied carbon) and optimizing the long-term energy and water efficiency of the facilities. You will be the primary driver for aligning project outcomes with science-based targets. Additionally, there is a strong focus on governance and transparency. You will be responsible for ensuring that the data collected from project sites meets the rigorous standards of global reporting frameworks, thereby positioning the company as a leader in responsible and innovative digital development.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary hurdles will be balancing speed with sustainability. In the data center industry, speed to market is a competitive necessity, and integrating complex sustainability reviews into tight development timelines requires high organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure. You might also face the challenge of data fragmentation. Gathering consistent, high-quality environmental data from various contractors and consultants across multiple states can be difficult. You will need to develop robust processes to ensure the accuracy of your reporting and analysis.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a site due diligence meeting, where you evaluate the environmental risks of a potential new land acquisition. You could spend the afternoon analyzing embodied carbon data from a construction site or meeting with the Energy team to discuss renewable procurement strategies for a specific campus. Your schedule will also include cross-functional coordination, perhaps presenting sustainability metrics to the Director of Sustainable Practices or drafting a briefing for a hyperscale customer. There is a healthy mix of technical desk work and collaborative strategy sessions, with occasional travel to project sites.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a Senior Associate reporting to a Director, you are in a prime position to shape the sustainability culture of a growing company. There is a clear path toward management as the sustainability team expands, offering the chance to eventually lead larger initiatives or specialized departments within the ESG framework. Given the high-profile nature of Rowan’s investors, successful performance in this role provides visibility at the highest levels of the energy transition movement. You will be building a portfolio of large-scale infrastructure projects that serve as a blueprint for the future of the industry.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will serve as a central hub for sustainability, interacting daily with internal teams such as Site Origination, Engineering, and Construction. You will need to build trust with these colleagues to ensure sustainability isn't viewed as a hurdle but as a value-add. Externally, you will engage with hyperscale customer representatives who have their own strict ESG requirements, as well as third-party consultants and contractors. Navigating these relationships requires a balance of technical authority and diplomatic communication to ensure all parties are aligned on project goals.

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