Principal Consultant, Vegetation Management Environmental Workstream Planner

ERM•Sacramento, CA

12d•$61 - $77

About The Position

Lead Environmental Planning That Shapes California’s Energy Future Step into a strategic leadership role as Principal Consultant, Vegetation Management Environmental Workstream Planner (Casual/Part‑Time), supporting ERM’s growing Impact Assessment & Planning practice in Northern California (Walnut Creek or Sacramento). In this high‑visibility position, you’ll guide critical vegetation management planning and compliance efforts for one of California’s largest utilities—advancing community safety, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable operations. This is your opportunity to apply deep environmental expertise within a global consulting firm while shaping how essential environmental planning is delivered across the state. Why This Role Matters ERM’s Impact Assessment & Planning (IAP) team is one of the fastest‑growing practices in our global organization. As a Principal Consultant and Environmental Workstream Planner, you will play a pivotal role supporting an ongoing contract with a major California utility, ensuring their Vegetation Management operations meet complex regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements. Your leadership will directly influence project outcomes, regulatory success, and ERM’s reputation for excellence in California’s utility sector. What Your Impact Is Lead end‑to‑end environmental planning and compliance efforts across Vegetation Management operations and maintenance activities Serve as the Contract Environmental Workstream Planner, driving project review and permitting across agencies including USFS, BLM, CA State Parks, NPS, USFWS, CDFW, and Coastal Zone authorities Guide multidisciplinary teams to meet client deliverables, maintain project excellence, and ensure adherence to regulatory guidance Strengthen client relationships through trust, communication, and proactive updates Mentor junior team members, offering technical direction and development opportunities Build corrective action plans, address scheduling challenges, and support unit‑rate pricing invoicing Drive innovation within ERM’s IAP service offerings to anticipate client needs and maintain our competitive edge Meet safety, financial, schedule, and quality performance targets across projects

Requirements

Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in environmental studies, biology, planning, geography, civil/environmental engineering, or a related field. Or equivalent experience
6+ (10+ years preferred) of consulting experience in impact assessments, CEQA/NEPA review, and California natural resource regulatory agency permitting
Experience supporting California electric/gas transmission and generation markets
Expertise with California Coastal Commission and Local Coastal Plan Coastal Zone Development Permitting
Proven success in business development with clients in power generation, electrical transmission, renewables, mining, oil & gas, and technology
Strong relationship‑building skills and ability to secure new IA consulting work
Broad understanding of impact assessment best practices and key environmental management issues
Excellent team‑building, communication, and influencing skills
High integrity, collaborative mindset, and a commitment to ERM’s global success

Nice To Haves

JD, CEP, AICP, or similar professional registration
Vegetation management knowledge (preferred but not required)

Responsibilities

Serve as the Contract Environmental Workstream Planner for permitting and project reviews under multiple CA regulatory agencies (USFS, BLM, CA State Parks, NPS, USFWS, CDFW, CA Coastal Zone, and others)
Oversee cross‑disciplinary teams ensuring high‑quality, timely deliverables
Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with the utility client
Provide clear, actionable guidance to project teams and ensure compliance with client expectations
Interface with the client’s contract owner, delivering weekly updates and performance insights
Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership
Develop corrective action plans related to staffing or schedule delays
Support unit‑rate pricing and invoicing activities
Champion innovation within the IAP service line
Meet ERM’s standards for health & safety, financial performance, project delivery, client satisfaction, and risk management