Consulting Director, Environmental FERC

ERM•Duluth, GA

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Consulting Director, Environmental FERC, to lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for complex energy infrastructure projects in the United States. The role advises clients developing Natural Gas Act-regulated projects, including natural gas transmission and LNG facilities, and supports projects involving hydrogen, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration. The position can be based anywhere in the United States and combines technical leadership, business development, regulatory expertise, and strategic client engagement. The Consulting Director guides major capital projects from concept through execution by developing environmental permitting strategies, managing interdisciplinary teams, engaging regulatory agencies, and delivering solutions that meet client business objectives while supporting environmental stewardship. The role also contributes to ERM’s growth and leadership in FERC-regulated project development and environmental consulting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Studies, Planning, Geography, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geology, a related natural resources science field, or equivalent experience.
Prior consulting experience.
At least 8 years of environmental impact assessment and natural resources permitting experience on FERC-regulated projects, including consulting for private-sector clients.
At least 5 years of experience managing permitting for large natural gas and LNG projects, including oversight of complex FERC applications.
Working knowledge of NEPA, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
Experience with federal, state, and local permitting.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to research and prepare concise, accurate technical documents.
Keen attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a project-team member.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including communicating complex technical information effectively to staff, clients, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
Valid driver’s license and/or ability to operate a company vehicle; duties include frequent travel to client locations across a large geographic area.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of environmental impact assessment and natural resources permitting experience on FERC-regulated projects is preferred.
Experience participating in industry working groups, regulatory initiatives, or policy discussions related to energy infrastructure development.
Experience supporting hydrogen, renewable energy, or carbon sequestration projects.
Proven success leading business development efforts and maintaining long-term client relationships.
Experience leading large, geographically diverse, multidisciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

Drive permitting and development of natural gas transmission, LNG, hydrogen, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration projects across the United States.
Advise clients on environmental permitting, compliance, and regulatory policy matters.
Build and strengthen client relationships and identify opportunities for business growth.
Lead multidisciplinary teams delivering technical and regulatory solutions.
Represent ERM in industry working groups and monitor emerging policy developments and market trends.
Manage large and complex single-site or multi-site projects on time and within budget, including scope, delivery requirements, budgeting, resourcing, planning, field and technical coordination, and health, safety, and risk considerations.
Serve as a primary client contact and lead interdisciplinary teams conducting environmental impact assessments and permitting activities, including baseline studies, siting and routing studies, land use planning, mitigation planning, and environmental compliance during construction, commissioning, start-up, and operations.
Manage concurrent projects, including natural gas transmission and LNG capital projects and hydrogen, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration facilities.
Develop technical proposals, identify project opportunities, generate qualified leads, and support business development with existing and prospective clients.
Maintain client relationships to support repeat business and long-term partnerships.
Lead strategic meetings with regulatory agencies concerning environmental, regulatory, and legislative requirements, including state siting applications and approval processes.
Engage with FERC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, federal land management agencies, and State Historic Preservation Offices.
Provide technical, subject-matter, and project-management expertise in environmental critical-issues assessments, environmental impact analyses, permitting strategies, and quality assurance reviews.
Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory developments to advise clients and support ERM’s strategic growth.
Participate in industry working groups addressing policy changes, regulatory initiatives, and emerging energy-sector opportunities.
Use initiative, critical thinking, and creativity to develop research approaches, resolve complex issues, and present technical information to diverse audiences.
Deliver high-quality outcomes in fast-paced, complex, geographically diverse project environments while balancing competing priorities and client needs.