Consulting Director, Environmental FERC

ERM•Houston, TX

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Consulting Director, Environmental FERC, to advise clients developing Natural Gas Act-regulated projects, including natural gas transmission and LNG facilities. The role supports environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for major energy infrastructure projects across the United States, including natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, renewables, and carbon sequestration projects. The position combines technical and project leadership, business development, regulatory expertise, and strategic client engagement, and may be based anywhere in the United States. The director will guide projects from concept through execution by developing permitting strategies, managing interdisciplinary teams, engaging with regulatory agencies, and delivering technical and regulatory solutions. The role also entails strengthening client relationships, identifying opportunities for business growth, monitoring policy and market developments, and contributing to ERM’s growth in FERC-regulated project development and environmental consulting. Frequent travel to client locations across a large geographical area is required. ERM describes itself as a global sustainability consultancy that helps organizations address environmental, health, safety, risk, and social issues. It emphasizes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and a comprehensive “boots to boardroom” service model.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Studies, Planning, Geography, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geology, or 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 the National Environmental Policy Act (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 MS Office Suite software.
Ability to research and prepare concise, accurate technical documents, with 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; frequent travel to client locations across a large geographical area is required.

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

Manage large, complex, single-site or multi-site projects on time and within budget, including scope, delivery requirements, budgets, resources, 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 regulatory permitting, including baseline studies, facility siting and routing, land-use planning, mitigation planning, and environmental compliance during construction, commissioning, start-up, and operations.
Manage concurrent projects, including natural gas transmission, LNG, hydrogen, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration facility projects across the United States.
Develop technical proposals, identify project opportunities, generate qualified leads, and support business development with existing and prospective clients.
Maintain and strengthen 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 review applications and approvals.
Engage with FERC, 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, impact analyses, permitting strategies, and quality-assurance reviews.
Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and emerging regulatory developments to advise clients and support ERM’s strategic growth objectives.
Participate in industry working groups on policy changes, regulatory initiatives, and emerging energy-sector opportunities.
Use initiative, critical thinking, and creativity to develop research approaches, resolve complex issues, and communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
Deliver high-quality outcomes in fast-paced, complex, geographically diverse environments while balancing competing priorities and client needs.