Building and Sustainability Officer

Grade/Salary: M12 - ME14: £ 43,680 - £55,323 per annum pro rata (Fixed Term 2 Years)

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We are seeking an experienced and motivated built environment professional with a background in sustainable buildings, energy efficiency, retrofit, or decarbonisation. We welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about supporting others to improve the sustainability and performance of their homes and buildings workplaces and who can communicate technical concepts in a clear, accessible way.

Merton, located in the heart of southwest London, has declared a climate emergency and set ambitious targets in the Climate Strategy and Action Plan. The Council has already invested more than £4 million towards these goals including supporting residents and businesses with energy efficiency improvements to make their homes and workplaces more comfortable, affordable to run and lower carbon.

A key focus on this role will be supporting the decarbonisation of privately owned homes and workplaces, which account for around 98% of emissions from the borough’s-built environment.

This role requires strong practical knowledge of buildings and sustainability, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire confidence in residents, businesses, developers and partners. You will contribute to a wide range of activities, including:

• Promotion of zero‑carbon buildings: advocating for best practice in sustainable construction and supporting the delivery of exemplary low‑carbon developments via the planning process.
• Energy infrastructure planning: supporting the delivery of Merton’s Borough Energy Plan, a long-term strategy to decarbonise heat, electricity and transport energy across the borough through to 2050. This includes working with colleagues across the council, energy providers and other partners to help plan the infrastructure needed to support future energy demand, while unlocking local investment, stronger infrastructure and lower energy bills for residents and businesses.
• Community and stakeholder engagement: working directly with homeowners, businesses, community groups, housing providers, developers and partner organisations to promote high‑quality retrofit and energy‑efficiency improvements.
• Funding and grant support: guiding residents, businesses and community groups to access grants and government schemes that support property upgrades and decarbonisation.

You will work closely with residents and businesses, landowners, colleagues across the council and with partners throughout London who share a commitment to supporting communities and reducing carbon emissions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including opportunities for flexible working where compatible with service needs.