Consultant, Senior Permitting Coordinator

ERM•Walnut Creek, CA

1d•$70,500 - $97,429•Hybrid

About The Position

Ready to make an impact? At ERM, you’ll join a global leader in sustainability consulting, working on projects that matter. If you’re detail-oriented, thrive under deadlines, and want to advance your career in environmental permitting, we’d love to hear from you. Why This Role Matters If you're an experienced environmental or utility permitting professional ready to take the next step in leadership, this role offers the chance to directly shape the success of high‑impact utility vegetation management programs across Northern California. As a Senior Permit Coordinator at ERM, you’ll lead a team that keeps critical infrastructure safe, resilient, and compliant—while navigating some of the most dynamic regulatory environments in the region. Your work supports reliability, public safety, and environmental stewardship for communities that depend on these systems every day. What Your Impact Is In this role, you’ll be the operational anchor and strategic coordinator that ensures complex permit applications move smoothly from initiation to approval. You’ll manage a team of permit coordinators, strengthen relationships with clients and regulatory agencies, and guide projects to completion under tight and evolving deadlines. Your leadership will enhance program efficiency, maintain compliance, and elevate ERM’s reputation for excellence in environmental consulting. What You’ll Bring Required Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may substitute. 1+ years of experience supporting environmental or utility permitting and managing others in completing tasks. Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent permit streams in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence engaging clients and regulatory representatives. Proficiency in data management and Excel, with an eagerness to learn new permitting software. Adaptable, proactive, and solutions‑oriented approach when addressing shifting priorities. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Preferred Experience with permitting related to vegetation management or power utility operations. Knowledge of federal and state health & safety regulations, contractor safety management, and safety program development. Familiarity with encroachment permit packages for agencies including Caltrans, State Parks, USFS, and local water districts. Experience supporting railroad easement permitting processes.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may substitute.
1+ years of experience supporting environmental or utility permitting and managing others in completing tasks.
Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent permit streams in a fast‑paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence engaging clients and regulatory representatives.
Proficiency in data management and Excel, with an eagerness to learn new permitting software.
Adaptable, proactive, and solutions‑oriented approach when addressing shifting priorities.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with permitting related to vegetation management or power utility operations.
Knowledge of federal and state health & safety regulations, contractor safety management, and safety program development.
Familiarity with encroachment permit packages for agencies including Caltrans, State Parks, USFS, and local water districts.
Experience supporting railroad easement permitting processes.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and oversee a team of 3–5 permit coordinators and support staff preparing permit packages.
Collaborate directly with Project Managers, Program Managers, and the utility client to align priorities and ensure timely permit delivery.
Manage all aspects of permit applications tied to vegetation management, ensuring compliance with environmental and utility regulations.
Track and monitor application progress, providing clear and timely updates to internal teams and client stakeholders.
Coordinate with internal field teams to gather and verify necessary data for permit submissions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders to support timely permit approvals.
Participate in team meetings and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
Support broader program planning through research and by staying current on regulatory changes, policy updates, and evolving permitting processes.
Perform some on‑site work in Northern California as required.