Principal Consultant, Energy Permitting Specialist (Principal Level) - ERM Consulting & Engineering, Inc.

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant Energy Permitting Specialistin one of our Northeastern offices to assist with current client development, new business development, and project delivery.  This position will focus on energy projects with responsibility for advancement of project development in both electric transmission, renewable energy development, and energy storage projects. The position will require an understanding of the complexities of energy and environmental policy and will require a broad knowledge base from which to draw experience.

The successful candidate will engage in the development of multiple clients concurrently and have responsibility for cultivating new business by identifying project opportunities and conducting client outreach.  The Senior Energy Permitting Specialist will work collaboratively with ERM teams/partners to build a portfolio of clients in the upper Midwest and Northeast; actively participate in relevant industry working-groups; and be aware of market conditions and industry trends.

Projects are often fast-paced, multi-faceted, and geographically diverse. The successful candidate must be capable of managing varying priorities in order to provide high-quality project deliverables completed on time and within budget. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate drive and initiative; delegation and management skills; critical thinking and problem solving ability, and be able to clearly communicate with staff and clients at all levels.

This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional looking to advance their career with a global environmental leader looking to expand ERM’s geographic footprint in the transmission and energy sector.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Foster deep and trusted client relationships, identify new leads, and participate in business development including proposal development.  
• Manage large and complex projects, either single or multi-site, on time and to budget including elements such as scope and delivery requirements, KPIs, budgeting, resourcing, planning, coordinating field and other technical work, and managing health, safety and risk aspects.
• Plans and facilitates meetings, focus groups, strategic planning sessions, and other events.
• Manages multiple projects concurrently—including directing the scope of work, collaborating with team members to complete project tasks, and managing client expectations.
• Act as client point of contact for project support, related to key client initiatives including day to day activities such as: base line surveys; pre-construction avian and bat studies; cultural resource surveys; special status species surveys; and wetland delineations and permitting.
• Lead strategic meetings with regulatory agencies to address regulatory and/or legislative requirements such as state siting review applications/processes.
• Work closely with clients and regulators to develop and implement creative solutions to construct projects in areas with sensitive environmental resources. 
• Collaborate with other ERM team members to execute impact assessment and capital project permitting (e.g., baseline studies, environmental impact assessment, routing studies, land planning, and facility siting and permitting). 
• Facilitate relationships on behalf of the client with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and State Historic Preservation Offices. 
• Contribute technical, subject matter or project management expertise on environmental critical issues assessments, impact assessment deliverables, and overall quality control review. 
• Oversee multiple project teams with specific development focus in environmental diligence and mitigation, with federal, state or local regulatory agencies for renewable energy projects. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Studies, Planning, Geography, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related natural resources science field of study. Or equivalency of 8+ years related experience.
• 6 years minimum related experience required and 8+ years preferred. At least 15 years of transmission routing and siting and experience on renewable energy projects, including consulting for private-sector clients.
• Working knowledge of key natural resource regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
• Experience with federal, state, and local permitting in the Midwest, in particular with the preparation of applications for Public Utility Commissions in the Midwest.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated ability to research and prepare concise and accurate technical documents.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative member of a project team.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, which includes being comfortable and effective at communicating complex technical knowledge and concepts to other staff, clients, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. 

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Thank you for your interest in ERM!