Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

About the Role

In this role you will lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large‑scale power and renewable projects, serve as a trusted advisor on CEQA/NEPA impact assessments, and drive innovation in permitting strategies to accelerate timelines. You will also mentor emerging talent, contribute to ERM’s growth trajectory, and position the firm as the go‑to partner for complex capital project delivery in California. Key responsibilities include serving as the Project Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for CEQA/NEPA assessments, preparing technical studies and environmental impact documents such as EIRs and Biological Constraints Reports, and developing and negotiating permit applications with state and federal agencies. You will direct permitting and compliance for telecom, energy infrastructure, and linear development projects, collaborate with Account Directors to expand ERM’s services, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards, financial targets, and client satisfaction metrics. • Lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large‑scale power and renewable projects. • Serve as trusted advisor on CEQA/NEPA impact assessments and natural resource permitting. • Develop and negotiate permit strategies with state and federal agencies. • Prepare technical studies, EIRs, and Biological Constraints Reports. • Direct permitting for telecom, energy infrastructure, and linear development projects. • Mentor consultants and foster a high‑performance team culture. • Drive innovation in impact assessment and planning services. • Ensure compliance with health & safety standards, financial targets, and client satisfaction metrics. • Maintain relationships with California utilities (PG&E, SCE, Sempra) and key regulators.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸environmental permitting
• ▸impact assessment
• ▸permit strategy
• ▸technical studies
• ▸regulatory compliance
• ▸client relations

What You Bring

The ideal candidate holds a BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or a related field and brings at least six years of consulting experience in California electric/gas transmission and generation markets. Proven success delivering multi‑million‑dollar environmental programs, established relationships with utilities such as PG&E, SCE, and Sempra, and strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA best practices are required. Preferred qualifications include experience cultivating new client relationships with Bay Area technology, media, and telecommunications companies and a recognized technical reputation with regulatory agencies. • Hold BS/MS in biology or environmental science with 6+ years consulting experience in California electric/gas markets. • Demonstrated expertise in CEQA/NEPA best practices and multi‑million‑dollar program delivery. • Preferred: experience with Bay Area technology, media, or telecommunications clients.

Requirements

• ▸bs/ms
• ▸6+ years
• ▸ceqa/nepa
• ▸utilities
• ▸california
• ▸electric/gas

Benefits

Joining ERM offers the opportunity to work in the firm’s fastest‑growing global service area, collaborate on high‑profile development projects, and access a clear path to partnership after demonstrating leadership and performance success. You will be part of a global network of sustainability experts and thought leaders, supporting clients across the breadth of their organizations. The anticipated annual base salary ranges from $104,236 to $156,352, with eligibility for bonus pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans such as 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP. Compensation varies based on education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. • Annual base salary $104,236–$156,352, bonus eligibility, and comprehensive benefits (PTO, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life/disability insurance, 401(k)/RRSP). • Clear path to partnership and access to a global network of sustainability experts.

Work Environment

Hybrid