Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex permitting and compliance efforts for renewable energy and tech sector projects.
• Oversee preparation of permitting documents, environmental reviews, and discipline-specific reports (biological, cultural, noise, decommissioning plans, etc.).
• Serve as project manager, task manager, technical expert, and QA/QC reviewer for deliverables.
• Develop permitting strategies, conduct due diligence, and ensure quality control across all impact assessment deliverables.
• Prepare technical proposals and support business development initiatives to grow ERM’s renewable energy portfolio.
• Interface with clients, lead meetings, and provide strategic insights to optimize project implementation.
• Collaborate with ERM’s global technical teams to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions.

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, planning, geography, or related field; or 8+ years equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of project management and permitting experience (Preferred: 8+ years), ideally in the power sector.
• Proven experience with federal, state, and local permitting, including preparation of local permit applications for renewable energy projects.
• Strong technical writing and analytical skills; ability to present findings to clients and regulatory agencies.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area. Willingness to travel (approx. 25%).

Preferred

• Expertise in local land use permitting processes, including Conditional or Special Use Permits.
• Familiarity with requirements from municipalities and counties (e.g., buffer widths, vegetative screening, noise analyses, water quality monitoring, stormwater review criteria).
• Experience optimizing project layouts based on local permitting requirements.
• GIS proficiency and ability to interpret maps and environmental data.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

The anticipated annual base pay for the Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power position is $125,963 - $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.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance
• 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP