Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning

Are you ready to lead compliance efforts that keep California’s energy infrastructure moving forward? At ERM, we’re looking for a seasoned professional who thrives on solving complex regulatory challenges and managing high-stakes projects. If you’re passionate about driving results and influencing critical energy initiatives, this is your opportunity to make an impact with a global sustainability leader.

About the Role

California’s energy sector is evolving rapidly, and regulatory compliance is at the heart of every successful project. As a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning Specialist for our Northern California projects, you’ll ensure construction and permitting activities meet stringent environmental and safety standards—helping our clients deliver reliable, sustainable energy solutions while protecting communities and ecosystems.

You’ll be the trusted advisor and problem-solver for energy clients, guiding compliance strategies from planning through construction. Your expertise will keep projects on track, mitigate risks, and uphold environmental integrity. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and regulatory agencies, you’ll shape outcomes that matter for California’s future.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental compliance during construction, ensuring adherence to CEQA, Biological Opinions, Clean Water Act permits, Section 106 consultations, and other regulatory requirements.
• Interpret and implement mitigation measures; proactively resolve compliance issues.
• Coordinate field staff, including Environmental Inspectors, Biologists, Cultural Resource Specialists, and Water Quality Specialists.
• Provide technical consulting for permitting and compliance on power generation, transmission, and renewable energy projects.
• Support large compliance programs through data management and communication.
• Prepare impact assessment deliverables, including reports, data analysis, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with ERM teams across offices on environmental impact assessments, facility siting, risk assessment, and water resource management.
• Ensure all work meets ERM’s quality, budget, and schedule standards.
• Engage directly with clients and subject matter experts to deliver strategic compliance solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering, biology/ecology, planning, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in compliance management, impact assessment, and environmental permitting (consulting experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and related regulations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, including technical report writing.
• Valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to frequent travel to client locations.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of compliance and permitting experience.
• Prior experience with CEQA documentation and CPUC projects.
• Familiarity with permitting under California Coastal Commission or Local Coastal Plans.
• Experience with BLM, US Forest Service, and multi-state permitting requirements (AZ, NV, CA).

Pay

The anticipated annual base pay is $92,500–$124,245 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP
• Other applicable benefits to eligible employees

About ERM

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.