Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist
About The Position
ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist for the Mid-Atlantic region to lead permitting and compliance for electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects. The role manages complex regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges, supports projects in meeting regulatory standards and protecting natural resources, and contributes to timely project delivery. It also involves developing client relationships, expanding ERM’s regional presence, and collaborating with global colleagues to share best practices and deliver solutions. The consultant manages permitting work for capital development projects, prepares permit applications, develops schedules and budgets, and reports on progress. The role includes agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits, with travel up to 20%. The consultant also collaborates with ERM specialists on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting, and supports business development through client relationships and technical solutions. The position is part of ERM, a global sustainability consultancy. The anticipated annual base pay is $110,000–$161,000 USD, with actual pay dependent on factors including education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. The role may be eligible for bonus pay, subject to stated employee-category exclusions. Eligible employees may receive a benefits package including paid time off, parental leave, health and insurance benefits, and retirement savings arrangements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 8 years of experience in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks; Virginia/Mid-Atlantic experience is preferred.
- Permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia.
- Knowledge of Clean Water Act Sections 401/404, Endangered Species Act Section 7, and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106.
- Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, and VMRC permitting requirements.
- Strong technical writing, project management, and communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Nice To Haves
- Permitting experience for transmission line projects in West Virginia and Kentucky.
- Experience reviewing Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Manage permitting tasks for capital development projects, including electric transmission lines and renewable energy initiatives.
- Prepare and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities.
- Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
- Participate in agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits; travel may be up to 20%.
- Collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting.
- Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and delivering exceptional technical solutions.
- Lead permitting and compliance for electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects.
- Manage complex regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges.
- Build client relationships and contribute to expanding ERM’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Collaborate globally to share best practices and deliver solutions.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- AD&D insurance
- 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP
- The role may be eligible for bonus pay; casual and fixed-term/flex-force employees are not bonus eligible.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
