Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor

ERM • Houston, TX

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor based in the Gulf Coast Region to help shape the next generation of traditional, renewable, and low-carbon energy projects. In this highly visible leadership role, you will guide clients through complex environmental permitting and impact assessment challenges, influence major capital investment decisions, and help deliver projects that support a more sustainable future. This role offers a clear pathway for professional advancement toward senior leadership opportunities, including Partner and Technical Director career tracks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of consulting or energy sector experience (10+ years preferred).
• Proven success in project management and client relationship development.
• Expertise in local, state, and federal permitting programs and regulatory frameworks, including agencies such as USACE, FERC, BOEM, and USFWS.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical and commercial concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of delivering annual sales.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while effectively leading teams.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with NEPA and ESHIA processes.
• Established industry reputation and professional network within the Gulf Coast energy market.
• Experience supporting low-carbon and renewable energy projects.
• Previous line management, leadership, or mentorship experience.
• Interest in pursuing future Partner or Technical Director career pathways.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients through siting, permitting, and environmental impact assessment processes for complex energy infrastructure projects.
• Provide trusted technical and strategic advice on regulatory and environmental compliance requirements.
• Support the successful development of traditional, renewable, and low-carbon energy projects.
• Leverage industry knowledge, business acumen, and market relationships to expand ERM’s presence within the Gulf Coast energy sector.
• Develop and maintain strong client partnerships built on technical excellence and trusted advisory support.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and annual sales objectives.
• Deliver high-quality, compliant, and timely permitting and environmental assessment solutions across diverse energy portfolios, including pipelines, offshore wind, and other capital projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to achieve successful client outcomes while maintaining ERM’s standards of excellence.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth within project teams.
• Mentor and support emerging professionals while contributing to ERM’s inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Help develop future leaders within the organization.
• Lead environmental permitting and impact assessment efforts for capital energy projects, including both traditional and renewable energy developments.
• Lead multi-media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including oversight from agencies such as USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted client relationships.
• Partner with ERM leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth and expand client engagement.
• Contribute to go-to-market planning, business development strategies, and growth initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality technical work products while maintaining regulatory compliance and project excellence.
• Support team development, mentorship, and collaboration across disciplines.
• Contribute to ERM’s inclusive, values-driven, and high-performance culture.

Benefits

• Global sustainability leader
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact
• Advancing career within a global sustainability leader
• Clear pathway for professional advancement toward senior leadership opportunities, including Partner and Technical Director career tracks.
• Opportunity to shape the next generation of energy projects
• Support sustainable future
• Advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal