New Frameworks

 

New Frameworks is a multi-racial, women-, queer- and trans-owned worker cooperative committed to a kinder sort of building. Locally sourced natural materials like native hardwood, clay, and stone soften our impact on the planet. Our ecologically-minded building practices and comprehensive, full-service systems design make our buildings at home on earth while providing state-of-the-art comfort and efficiency for the people that rely on them. New Frameworks practices high performance natural building towards the construction of climate justice and regeneration in our region.

 
 

Positive Relationships

We foster positive relationships with our clients and contractors with active listening, respect-driven collaboration, thoughtful compassion, and curiosity.


Healthy Environments

We are dedicated to ecological and social responsibility, an enduring love of our planet, and to the health and safety of those who live in the buildings we work on.

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True Sustainability

We go further than mere “energy efficiency” by bringing decades of experience and tools to support values and priorities for deep sustainability.


Cooperative Principles

Every member of our group is an owner; that fact is reflected in our commitment to one another, our work, and our clients.

Our Team

Our Story

In today's built environment, we see both an ecological crisis in regards to toxicity and climate impact, as well as a social justice crisis regarding health impact to workers and owners, affordability of operating and accessing safe shelter, and the emotional/psychological impacts of conventional designs using conventional materials.

To address these issues in the time frame laid out for us by the physical realities of our planet and cultural realities of our society, we need to leapfrog past current paradigms and radically reframe (new frameworks!) how we approach the problem in a systems-thinking structure. We have the current, proven, data-driven, value/cost-comparable proof of concept in using locally-sourced, non-toxic, natural materials that support local working landscapes and sustainable agricultural initiatives scaled to our region to create plant-based building solutions.

These approaches surpass the durability and performance of petroleum-based counterparts (i.e. foam and heavily-manufactured products), "bank" or store carbon for net positive atmospheric carbon reduction, and create healthy spaces that enliven and inspire the people that use it. 

 

Certifications

  • Building Performance Institute certified Envelope Professional, Building Analyst & Healthy Homes Evaluator

  • Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB)

  • Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Lead Certified US EPA

  • Home Performance with EnergyStar and EnergyStar Homes partner contractors

  • Permaculture Designer Certification - Permaculture Association (Britain)

 

Memberships

  • Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA); Charter Member - NESEA BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines

  • USFWC: US Federation of Worker Coops

  • VWCA: Vermont Worker Coop Alliance

  • Efficiency Excellence Network

    1. Building Performance Professionals Association - Vermont

    2. Natural Builders NorthEast

We’re Hiring!

We are a busy, fun, egalitarian-yet-structured, creative, kind, and mission-driven group of people working together towards the goal of developing ecological and social climate justice and regeneration practices in the building and design trades.

If you've been looking for a way to use your architectural or building skills to advance climate change response through the built environment; design and construction with natural, local, and plant-based materials; and be an integral part of an equitable, intersectional feminist workplace with a strong team culture, we welcome you!

People of color, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people from poor and working-class backgrounds, queer people, and women are encouraged to apply.

Check out our current job postings and information on how to apply.

 
 
 

Eco Product Sales & Account Manager

  • The Eco Product Sales & Account Manager role is a Full Time (32-40 hours/week) position with benefits, to bring in great projects for our team and grow the brand.

    This role is a critical part of the success of our business, and the right candidate for this position is deeply committed to delivering on our mission by expanding the sale of our products and services, while delivering excellent customer service to existing accounts.

    Our shop and offices are based in Essex Junction, VT, and this position is a hybrid of in-person and remote work.

    Our company is a language justice organization, with both English and Spanish being used as core languages, so being interested in becoming functionally bilingual is a requirement, and coming with language skills in each language is a plus. Our team is committed to social justice and mutual respect between all people, and a similar commitment is sought in the right person to fill this position.

  • Sales and Project Development (15-20 hours/week):

    ● Direct sales, ordering, and customer service for our products and services: Structural Straw Panel Sales, Casitas Sales, and other sales support as needed or requested.

    ● Respond to inquiries via email, phone, or social media; initial vetting of project and client alignment

    ● Track all inquiries and sales processes via online sales tools

    ● Communicate clearly about high-performance design, materials, and systems with clients, vendors, and trade partners (On-job training and educational opportunities available)

    Communicate clearly about the benefits of low-toxicity and plant-based materials and the role those play in human and ecosystem health and reversing climate change

    Demonstrate good speaking and people skills, and attend events and trade shows to promote New Frameworks’ products and services

    Connect prospective clients with the appropriate team members in service of closing the sale

    Assist with the estimating and planning process for developing projects, as needed

    ● Coordinate with the Production Management team on company capacity and overall company schedule

    Manage sales and project development processes until ready to hand off to the Production Management team

    Customer Account Management (15-20 hours/week):

    ● Work closely with the Production Lead to ensure all projects are done on time, on budget, and to the client’s satisfaction

    ● Responsible for Client relations & communications for the project

    ● Create and maintain all work agreements and contracts with the Client

    ● Communicate and set project schedule expectations with the client, with information from the Build Production Manager

    ● Administer any change order process

    Cooperative Member Responsibilities (1-5 hours/week):

    ● Participate regularly in quarterly All-Company Meetings and committees to help steer direction of the company

    ● Participate actively in interdependent, team-focused company culture.

    ● Have a passion for being an owner in a worker-owner cooperative design/build company.

  • ● 2+ yrs experience in the energy efficiency and/or high performance building world

    ● 2+ years experience in product sales and customer service

    ● Strong organizational and administrative abilities

    ● Strong interest in developing ecological products to build a Circular Economy

    ● A dependable team player who desires to work with other members in the company with a focus on our shared Vision and Mission

    ● Able to work well independently, as well as manage a small team of co-workers

    ● Meticulous attention to detail

    ● Good computer, software, and technology skills: Google suite, Zoom, Smarsheets, Excel, and

    both PC and Mac platforms

    ● Bonus computer skills: Quickbooks

    ● Professional and succinct communication skills in person, on the phone, and through email

    ● Able to manage occasional fast-paced or shifting work environments

    ● Ability to track hours and manage project details on web-based information management systems (training to be provided)

  • 1. Letter of Interest

    2. Resume

    3. Three References

    Please send to info@newframeworks.com

  • As a full-time member of the team, with a competitive hourly rate and robust benefits, you can expect a total compensation package of $45,084 - 75,544

    ● $26-35/hr (dependent on experience and performance)

    ● 80 hrs paid Vacation/year

    ● 40 hrs paid floating Holiday & Wellness /year

    ● Emergency Paid Family Medical & Parental Leave

    ● Vision & Dental insurance

    ● Healthcare stipend of $100/month

    ● 401K plan

    ● $200/year pp for personal tool or tech allowance

    ● Reduced cost cell phone plans available on company AT&T plan, deducted from member’s paycheck

    ● Paid internal and external trainings, conferences & classes; coverage based on first come first serve basis until the budget line is tapped for the year

    ● Paid membership to professional associations with conference, networking, and professional development opportunities: NESEA, BBD, others

    ● Subscriptions to Fine Homebuilding, BuildingGreen online suite, and other trade publications

    ● Bragging rights that you are a co-owner of the coolest and dorkiest company in the Northeast!

Office & Sales Assistant

  • The Office & Sales Assistant position is a Full Time (32-40 hours per week) position with benefits to assist in bringing in great projects for our team and to keep our office running smoothly. Our ideal candidate has strong organizational and administrative abilities and a passion for promoting ecological products to build the Full Circle Economy.

    This position is based in our office in Essex Junction, and includes general office and shop space management, supply acquisition and organization, as well as general assistance to sales, Administration and Management teams as needed.

    If you’ve been looking for a way to use your administrative & communications skills to advance climate change response through the built environment; support building with natural, local, and plant-based materials; and be an integral part of an equitable, intersectional feminist workplace with a strong team culture, we welcome you!

  • Role Responsibilities:

    ● General office and shop space management, supply acquisition and organization, and other office and administrative tasks

    ● General assistance to Sales, Administration and Management teams as needed

    ● Assist with organization of marketing materials & tasks


    Cooperative Member Responsibilities:

    ● Participate regularly in quarterly All-Company Meetings to help steer direction of the company and is an active member of the Products and/or Admin Committee

    ● Participate actively in interdependent, team-focused company culture.

    ● Have a passion for being an owner in a worker-owner cooperative design/build company

  • ● Strong organizational and administrative abilities

    ● Strong interest in developing and promoting ecological products to build the Full Circle Economy

    ● A dependable team player who desires to work with other members in the company with a focus on our shared Vision and Mission.

    ● Able to work well independently as well as with other members as a team

    ● Meticulous attention to detail

    ● Good computer, software, and technology skills: Google suite, Zoom, Smarsheets, Excel, and both PC and Mac facility

    ● Bonus computer skills: Quickbooks

    ● Professional and succinct communication skills in person, on the phone, and through email

    ● Able to manage occasional fast-paced or shifting work environments

    ● Ability to track hours and manage project details on web-based information management systems (training to be provided)

    ● Bonus: experience in the energy efficiency or high performance building industry

  • 1. Letter of Interest

    2. Resume

    3. Three References

    Please send to info@newframeworks.com

  • As a full-time member of the team, with a competitive hourly rate and a robust benefits package, you can expect an annual salary of $35,100-$52,664. Full time benefits listed here, inquire about part time benefits package:

    ● $20-24/hr (dependent on experience and performance)

    ● 80 hrs paid Vacation/year

    ● 40 hrs paid floating Holiday & Wellness /year

    ● Emergency Family Medical & Parental Leave

    ● Vision & Dental insurance

    ● Healthcare stipend of $100/month

    ● 401K plan

    ● $200/year pp for personal tool or tech allowance

    Reduced cost cell phone plans available on company AT&T plan, deducted from member’s paycheck

    ● Paid internal and external trainings, conferences & classes; coverage based on first come first serve basis until the budget line is tapped for the year

    ● Paid membership to professional associations with conference, networking, and professional development opportunities: NESEA, BEBL, others

    ● Subscriptions to Fine Homebuilding, BuildingGreen online suite, and other trade publications

    ● Bragging rights that you are a co-owner of the coolest and dorkiest company in the Northeast!

 

Carpenter Position

  • The Carpenter role is a Full Time (40 hour/week) position with benefits, to join our team to build, install, and finish our pre-designed kit buildings made with straw, wood fiber fill, and other plant-based wall, floor, and roof panels.

    This position is based at our shop in Essex Junction, and includes delivering, installing, and finishing buildings on site, limited to a 1-2 hour drive radius from our shop.

    The person right for this job is interested in using their carpentry skills to be a climate hero!

    The production of prefabricated insulated panels is a development in the natural building and green building trades that accelerates the drawdown of atmospheric carbon levels by making this technology widely available and easily accessible.

    The person right for this job has their senses tuned to not only co-produce high quality projects, but to develop bio-based panelized solutions as a product through a commitment to climate positive innovation.

    Our company is a language justice organization, with both English and Spanish being used as core languages, so being interested in becoming functionally bilingual is a requirement, and coming with language skills in each language is a plus.

    Our team is committed to social justice and mutual respect between all people, and a similar commitment is sought in the right person to fill this position.

  • ● Independently take on building tasks under the guidance of the Site Supervisor; complete tasks on budget, on schedule, and to the Site Supervisor’s satisfaction. Tasks include site work, foundation, framing, insulation, window/door install, air sealing, flashing, and finishes.

    ● Interest in and knowledge of working with locally-sourced wood and other building materials, applied knowledge of high performance building theory and techniques. Experience in straw bale building, clay and lime plasters, and other natural building methods and materials are a plus. Will train.

    Lead a small crew to execute specific project tasks, holding responsibility for assuring quality of their work, working with all relevant power tools and attending to all safety and maintenance protocols. Contribute to a positive daily culture, providing on-the-job guidance and training as needed to apprentices

    ● Participate regularly in quarterly All-Company Meetings to help steer direction of our worker-owned cooperative, and act as an active member of the Build Committee

    ● Exhibit strong building science and green building skills with an interest for continued growth in this area (Regular in-house and external training included with this position). Contribute to research & development and innovation of pre-fabricated natural building technologies.

  • ● 8+ yrs experience in construction, renovation, trades and/or energy & weatherization work, 2+ years experience managing a crew

    ● Full time position, with expectation of daily presence as set by crew schedule

    ● Bilingual English & Spanish speaking skills or interest in learning

    ● Experience with efficient, production-oriented work

    ● High level of experience with all basic hand and power tools commonly used for construction/carpentry

    ● Ability to read plans, and execute framing, trim, stairs, built-ins, other finish projects

    ● Reliable transportation and basic carpentry tools required

    ● Strong communication skills: in person, via phone, and email

  • 1. Letter of Interest

    2. Resume

    3. Three References

    Please send to info@newframeworks.com

  • As a full-time member of the team, with a competitive hourly rate and robust benefits, you can expect a total compensation package of $55,900 - $65,144.

    ● $26-30/hr (dependent on experience and performance)

    80 hrs paid Vacation/year

    ● 40 hrs paid floating Holiday & Wellness /year

    ● Emergency Family Medical & Parental Leave

    ● Vision & Dental insurance

    ● 401K plan

    ● Healthcare stipend of $100/month

    ● $200/year pp for personal tool or tech allowance

    ● Reduced cost cell phone plans available on company AT&T plan, deducted from member’s paycheck

    ● Paid internal and external trainings, conferences & classes; coverage based on first come first serve basis until the budget line is tapped for the year

    ● Subscriptions to Fine Homebuilding, BuildingGreen online suite, and other trade publications

    ● Bragging rights that you are a co-owner of the coolest and dorkiest company in the Northeast!

 

Community

 

It takes a village; from the forests that grow the timber, to the craftspeople who devote their lives to their trade,  it’s a community effort. We are committed to aligning every aspect of our ecology with the community that supports us.

 
 
New Frameworks Community US Federation of Worker Coops USFWC Endeavour Centre Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Heartwood School for the Homebuilding Crafts Natural Builders Northeast Embodied Carbon Network/Carbon Leadership Forum Efficiency Vermont Vermont Worker Coop Alliance VWCA Vermont Green Building Network Passive House Institute U.S. Timber Framers Guild Yestermorrow Design/Build School Building Performance Institute