Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager

ERM•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is hiring a Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager to lead renewable energy permitting and environmental review work across the Pacific Northwest. The role is based in Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Washington, and combines project delivery, client advisory, business development, and environmental stewardship. As part of ERM’s planning team, the consultant will lead environmental, social, and health impact assessment projects and work with ERM’s global technical experts to advance renewable energy permitting services regionally and nationally. The position helps clients navigate complex permitting and environmental review processes to develop commercial-scale renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects. The consultant will advise on regulatory requirements and approval pathways, manage multidisciplinary teams, oversee project quality and delivery, develop client relationships, support business growth, and mentor team members. Projects may include utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems, wind energy, transmission, and other energy infrastructure in Oregon and Washington. The role requires a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent experience, at least six years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, and strong renewable energy or related experience in Washington and Oregon. A valid driver’s license and/or ability to operate a company vehicle is required due to frequent travel to client locations across a large geographic area. The anticipated annual base pay is $110,000–$161,000, with possible bonus eligibility subject to ERM’s discretion and policies. Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, environmental studies, environmental management, wetland science, planning, geography, a related natural resources science field, or equivalent experience.
At least 6 years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including strong renewable energy or similar practice experience in Washington and Oregon.
Experience with federal, state, and local permitting, including preparing applications and permitting documentation for renewable energy project development.
Experience assisting clients in obtaining multi-media permits and approvals for new or expanded facilities.
Experience overseeing and coordinating desktop and online studies or research on natural resources or resource planning topics.
Experience with GIS and map interpretation using resources such as the National Wetland Inventory, U.S. Geological Survey, and aerial photography.
Ability to research and prepare concise, accurate technical documents and present findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills, including experience preparing detailed technical reports and documentation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, remain flexible, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members, with strong interpersonal skills and a responsive, collaborative, versatile, service-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.
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

At least 8 years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including strong renewable energy or similar practice experience in Washington and Oregon.
Experience developing permitting strategies and securing local land use approvals for renewable energy projects.
Experience obtaining Conditional Use Permits and Special Use Permits for utility-scale energy projects.
Familiarity with county and municipal permitting processes throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Experience evaluating permitting constraints, variance opportunities, and project optimization strategies for developers.
Experience supporting projects reviewed through Oregon EFSC and Washington EFSEC processes.

Responsibilities

Manage renewable energy permitting projects in Oregon and Washington, including utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, wind, transmission, and other energy infrastructure projects.
Manage projects involving Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) and Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) review, as well as county and municipal land use approvals.
Manage and perform complex local, state, and federal permitting efforts, including compliance with NEPA, SEPA, and applicable agency regulations.
Oversee project delivery, including report writing, data collection, data and literature review, and client recommendations.
Manage preparation of discipline-specific reports, permitting documents, and state-level environmental reviews consistent with applicable regulatory requirements.
Serve as Project Manager, Task Manager, Technical Expert, and/or QA/QC Reviewer for project deliverables.
Provide permitting strategy, due diligence, environmental critical issues assessment, impact assessment, and quality control expertise.
Prepare technical proposals and participate in business development with existing clients and new opportunities.
Manage projects to established quality, budget, schedule, and scope expectations.
Collaborate with ERM practitioners across disciplines on impact assessments and capital project permitting, including baseline studies, environmental impact assessments, routing studies, land planning, facility siting, and permitting.
Develop client relationships and expand ERM’s market presence through advisory services, business development, and reliable project delivery.
Mentor team members and support development of a collaborative, high-performing consulting practice.