Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager

ERM•Portland, OR

5d•$110,000 - $161,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is hiring a Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager to lead renewable energy permitting and environmental review projects 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. The successful candidate will lead consulting efforts on environmental, social, and health impact assessments, collaborating with ERM’s global technical experts to advance renewable energy permitting services regionally and nationally. The position supports clients in navigating complex permitting and environmental review processes so commercial-scale renewable energy projects can advance from concept through development, construction, and operation. It involves advising clients on federal, state, and local requirements; leading regulatory approvals; coordinating multidisciplinary teams across jurisdictions; and helping grow ERM’s renewable energy practice. The role also includes mentoring team members and managing project quality, budget, schedule, and scope. The anticipated annual base pay is $110,000–$161,000 USD. Actual pay may vary based on education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. The role may be eligible for discretionary bonus pay under ERM policies. Eligible employees are offered a benefits package that includes paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, and a 401(k), among other applicable benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, environmental studies, environmental management, wetland science, planning, geography, or a related natural resources science field, or equivalent experience.
At least 6 years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including substantial 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, 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.
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; duties require frequent travel to client locations across a large geographical area.

Nice To Haves

At least 8 years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including substantial 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 the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) and Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) processes.

Responsibilities

Lead permitting and environmental review strategies for utility-scale renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects.
Advise clients on complex federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and approval pathways.
Manage multidisciplinary teams delivering environmental assessments, permitting documentation, and regulatory compliance solutions.
Build and strengthen client relationships and contribute to ERM’s growth in the renewable energy sector.
Mentor team members and help cultivate a collaborative, high-performing consulting practice.
Manage renewable energy permitting projects in Oregon and Washington, including utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems, wind, transmission, and other energy infrastructure projects.
Manage and perform permitting efforts involving local, state, and federal requirements, including NEPA, SEPA, and applicable agency regulations.
Oversee project delivery activities, 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 requirements and processes, including EFSEC/EFSC and federal water and biological resource regulations.
Serve as Project Manager, Task Manager, Technical Expert, or QA/QC Reviewer for project deliverables.
Provide technical, subject matter, and project management expertise on permitting strategies, due diligence reviews, environmental critical issues assessments, impact assessment deliverables, and quality control reviews.
Prepare technical proposals and participate in business development with existing clients and new opportunities.
Manage projects within established quality, budget, schedule, and scope expectations.
Collaborate across disciplines on impact assessments and capital project permitting initiatives, including baseline studies, environmental impact assessments, routing studies, land planning, facility siting, and permitting.
Expand ERM’s market presence and client relationships through advisory services, business development, and delivery of high-quality solutions.