Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Development
Are you ready to shape the next generation of clean energy infrastructure? At ERM, we’re not just permitting projects—we’re driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy, you’ll play a strategic role in guiding environmental impact assessments and permitting for some of the most innovative renewable energy projects across California and Arizona. This is your opportunity to influence major capital developments—solar, wind (onshore and offshore), and cutting-edge technology infrastructure—while collaborating with global experts to set industry standards.
Why This Role Matters
The renewable energy sector is growing at an unprecedented pace, and every project we deliver brings us closer to a sustainable future. Your leadership will ensure that complex projects meet environmental, social, and regulatory standards—helping clients navigate permitting challenges and accelerate clean energy deployment. This role is pivotal in balancing development with environmental stewardship, making a tangible impact on communities and ecosystems.
What Your Impact Is
- Drive permitting strategies for large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Lead environmental impact assessments that influence project design and execution.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to developers, optimizing layouts and mitigating risks through innovative permitting solutions.
- Expand ERM’s market presence by leveraging your expertise and client relationships to grow our renewable energy portfolio.
What You’ll Bring
Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, planning, geography, or related natural resources field—or 8+ years equivalent experience.
- 6+ years of project management and permitting experience in renewable energy or similar sectors across California or Arizona.
- Proven expertise in federal, state, and local permitting, including NEPA and CEQA compliance.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills for preparing concise, accurate reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, mentor junior team members, and thrive in a fast-paced 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 and securing Conditional or Special Use Permits.
- Familiarity with local requirements (e.g., buffer widths, vegetative screening, water quality monitoring, stormwater review criteria) and variance analysis.
- GIS proficiency and ability to interpret maps and conduct resource planning studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex permitting and compliance for renewable energy and technology sector projects, including NEPA, CEQA, and agency-specific regulations.
- Oversee preparation of permitting documents, environmental reviews, and impact assessment deliverables.
- Provide technical and project management expertise on permitting strategies, due diligence, and quality control.
- Prepare proposals and contribute to business development efforts to expand ERM’s renewable energy practice.
- Collaborate with ERM’s global technical teams to share best practices and deliver high-quality solutions.
Ready to lead the charge toward a sustainable future? Join ERM and make your mark on projects that matter—regionally, nationally, and globally.
For the Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy position, the anticipated annual base pay is $116,019-156,352 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. 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.
Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.
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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