Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

About the role

Lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale power and renewable projects.
Serve as a trusted advisor to California utilities and technology clients on CEQA/NEPA and natural resource permitting.
Drive innovation in impact assessment and permitting strategies to accelerate project timelines.
Mentor and develop emerging talent while contributing to ERM’s growth trajectory.
Position ERM as the go-to partner for complex capital project delivery in California.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for CEQA/NEPA impact assessments and natural resource permitting.
• Prepare technical studies and environmental impact documents (EIRs, Biological Constraints Reports).
• Develop permit strategies, prepare applications, and negotiate conditions with state and federal agencies.
• Direct permitting and compliance for telecom, energy infrastructure, and linear development projects.
• Collaborate with Account Directors to expand ERM’s services and deliver strategic value to clients.
• Mentor consultants, identify emerging talent, and foster a high-performance team culture.
• Drive innovation within ERM’s Impact Assessment and Planning service offering.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety standards, financial targets, and client satisfaction metrics.

Requirements

• BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or related field.
• 6+ years of consulting experience with substantial expertise in California electric/gas transmission and generation markets.
• Prominent track record delivering multi-million-dollar environmental programs or winning strategic projects.
• Established relationships with California utilities (PG&E, SCE, Sempra) and key regulators.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment best practices and permitting processes.
• Business acumen to identify opportunities and deliver enterprise-wide solutions.

Preferred

• Experience cultivating new client relationships with Bay Area technology, media, and telecommunications companies.
• Recognized technical authority and positive reputation with regulatory agencies.
• Strong leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and team development.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or related field.
• 6+ years of consulting experience with substantial expertise in California electric/gas transmission and generation markets.
• Prominent track record delivering multi-million-dollar environmental programs or winning strategic projects.
• Established relationships with California utilities (PG&E, SCE, Sempra) and key regulators.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment best practices and permitting processes.
• Business acumen to identify opportunities and deliver enterprise-wide solutions.

Skills

• Strong understanding of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment best practices and permitting processes.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop emerging talent.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to drive innovation and strategy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits.
• Opportunity for career advancement and partnership.
• Global network of sustainability experts and thought leaders.

Pay

The anticipated annual base pay for the Principal Consultant – Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables position is $111,000–$160,905 (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.

Schedule

Not specified.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.