Principal Consultant, Scientist

Ready to lead the charge in shaping America’s renewable energy future?
ERM is looking for a seasoned environmental leader who thrives on complexity and influence. If you’re passionate about driving the low-carbon transition and want to make a tangible impact on major energy infrastructure projects, this is your opportunity to take the reins. Join a global consulting powerhouse where your expertise will define strategies, guide developers, and accelerate sustainable growth across the Midwest and beyond.

Why This Role Matters

The renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly—and ERM is at the forefront. As a Principal Consultant, you’ll play a pivotal role in enabling the development of solar, transmission, and technology infrastructure projects that power the future. Your leadership will ensure projects meet environmental standards while advancing the clean energy transition.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead environmental impact assessments and permitting strategies for large-scale renewable energy projects.

• Navigate complex regulatory frameworks at federal, state, and local levels, including NEPA compliance.

• Influence project design and permitting strategies to optimize outcomes for developers and communities.

• Drive ERM’s growth in the renewable energy market through technical excellence and client partnerships.

• Collaborate with global experts to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for fast-paced projects.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, environmental management, wetland science, planning, geography or related natural resources science, or related field (or 8+ years equivalent experience).

• 8+ years of project management experience in licensing and permitting for power or renewable energy projects.

• Expertise in federal, state, and local permitting processes, including NEPA compliance.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills with experience engaging clients and regulators.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, mentor teams, and work independently in a dynamic environment.

• 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.

Preferred:

• Experience developing permitting strategies for renewable projects, including local land use permitting (e.g., Conditional/Special Use Permits, buffer widths, vegetative screening).

• Familiarity with GIS tools and interpretation of environmental data (wetlands, aerial imagery).

• Established client relationships and a proven track record of business development in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex permitting and compliance efforts for renewable energy and technology projects at local, state, and federal levels.

• Prepare and review permitting documents, NEPA analyses, and state-level environmental reviews.

• Manage project delivery, including report writing, data analysis, and client recommendations.

• Provide technical and strategic guidance on permitting, due diligence, and impact assessments.

• Develop proposals and contribute to business growth in the renewable energy market.

• Collaborate with ERM’s global teams to share best practices and deliver integrated solutions.

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!

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