Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor

ERM • Houston, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor to join their team in Houston, TX. This leadership role will help clients navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges while advancing critical traditional, renewable, and low-carbon energy projects. The role offers an opportunity to combine technical expertise, client leadership, and commercial growth in a role that directly shapes sustainable development outcomes and supports the future of the energy sector. As the energy sector continues to evolve, organizations are facing increasingly complex permitting, regulatory, and environmental requirements. ERM partners with leading energy clients to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that help move critical projects forward responsibly and efficiently. As a Principal Consultant, you will play a key role in guiding major energy developments from concept to execution, helping clients navigate regulatory landscapes, reduce project risk, and achieve successful environmental outcomes. Your expertise will directly contribute to the delivery of transformative infrastructure projects while supporting ERM's continued growth and leadership in the energy market. This role also offers a clear pathway toward future leadership opportunities, including Partner and Technical Director career tracks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or 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 (e.g., USACE, FERC, BOEM, USFWS).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in both technical and commercial settings.
• Business acumen and a demonstrated track record of delivering annual sales.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while leading teams and project delivery efforts effectively.
• 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

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

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and environmental impact assessment efforts for capital energy projects across traditional and renewable energy sectors.
• Lead multi-media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including oversight from agencies such as the USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted client relationships through technical excellence and strategic advisory support.
• Collaborate with ERM leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth and expand client partnerships.
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies and business development initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality technical work products while ensuring regulatory compliance and project success.
• Support team development through coaching, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to ERM's inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.

Benefits

• The company mentions fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.
• The company mentions a clear pathway toward future leadership opportunities, including Partner and Technical Director career tracks.

What This Job Offers

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