Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

About the role

The Principal Consultant – Biologist/Regulatory Specialist will lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale power and renewable projects in California. The role involves serving as a trusted advisor to California utilities and technology clients on CEQA/NEPA and natural resource permitting, driving innovation in impact assessment and permitting strategies, and mentoring and developing emerging talent.

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.
• Proven 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.
• Proven 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 knowledge of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment best practices and permitting processes.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and environmental challenges.
• Strong leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and team development.

Benefits

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).

We offer a 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 to eligible employees.

Pay

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

Schedule

N/A

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

Note: 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.