Technical Consulting Director, Scientist

ERM•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Technical Consulting Director, Scientist to support our Gulf Coast Business Unit (Texas and Louisiana). In this senior leadership role, you will help shape and deliver complex energy infrastructure projects by providing technical expertise in environmental permitting, regulatory strategy, project delivery, and client engagement. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on major capital projects while helping expand ERM's presence across the diversified energy sector. ERM works closely with energy companies throughout the lifecycle of their assets, helping them plan, develop, permit, construct, and operate both traditional and emerging energy projects. As demand for sustainable, resilient, and innovative energy solutions continues to grow, we are expanding our team to strengthen our ability to deliver measurable business value to our clients. As a Consulting Director, you will serve as a trusted advisor and key client-facing subject matter expert, leveraging your technical expertise, industry relationships, and commercial acumen to help clients successfully navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges. This position offers a pathway into ERM's Partner Track or Technical Director programs, depending on experience, interests, and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in environmental consulting and/or substantial experience working within the energy sector.
Experience with 316(b) compliance related to the Clean Water Act.
Demonstrated experience managing and permitting complex capital development projects.
Expertise with local, state, and federal environmental permitting programs.
Strong understanding of energy sector regulations, permitting processes, key regulatory agencies, and emerging industry issues.
Experience supporting projects involving power generation, transmission, renewable energy, oil and gas, low-carbon development, energy storage, and related infrastructure.
Recognized technical expertise and established professional reputation within the Gulf Coast market.
Existing client relationships and demonstrated success developing business opportunities within the energy sector.
Strong analytical, technical writing, presentation, and client communication skills.
Demonstrated project management and leadership capabilities.
Experience managing teams and contributing to the professional growth and development of colleagues.
Business acumen with the ability to identify risks, solve complex challenges, and develop strategic solutions for clients.
Demonstrable record of achieving annual sales and business development goals.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work products.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work across concurrent projects, and meet demanding deadlines.
Enthusiasm, initiative, adaptability, and a desire to contribute to a growing and collaborative team environment.

Nice To Haves

NEPA expertise, including experience supporting FERC-regulated projects or other federal agency permitting programs.
Experience with Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessments (ESHIA).
Experience permitting and supporting projects involving offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission, and pipeline development.
Experience serving as either an applicant representative or third-party consultant for permitting initiatives.
Established network and relationships throughout the Gulf Coast energy market.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior technical leader supporting siting, permitting, environmental impact evaluation, and project execution for energy infrastructure projects.
Develop and grow trusted client relationships across the diversified energy sector, including traditional and renewable energy markets.
Lead environmental permitting strategies and regulatory engagement efforts for major capital development projects.
Drive business growth by identifying opportunities, expanding existing accounts, and winning new work.
Mentor and develop technical staff while strengthening ERM's permitting and environmental assessment capabilities.
Support multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality, technically sound solutions for complex environmental challenges.
Provide strategic guidance on environmental compliance, permitting risk, and regulatory requirements throughout project lifecycles.
Work with clients to define, target, and develop opportunities across the ERM platform, collaborating with account managers and project teams to expand existing client relationships and identify new opportunities.
Lead and perform multi-media permitting efforts associated with capital development projects.
Manage compliance and permitting activities involving regulatory agencies including, but not limited to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
Serve as Project Manager for multidisciplinary environmental and permitting projects, ensuring successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring related to: Wetland delineations, Habitat and species assessments, Environmental permitting, Regulatory compliance, Technical report preparation.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, business partners, and industry stakeholders.
Support strategic business planning, proposal development, and commercial growth initiatives.
Deliver effective technical and commercial communications through reports, presentations, workshops, and client engagements.
Collaborate across ERM practices to develop innovative, integrated solutions that address client challenges.