Principal Technical Consultant, Terrestrial Ecology

Are you a seasoned terrestrial ecology professional looking to influence some of Canada's most complex mining, energy, and infrastructure projects? As a Principal Technical Consultant, Terrestrial Ecology based in Western Canada, you'll play a strategic role in delivering scientifically sound environmental solutions that help balance development with environmental stewardship. This is an opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary experts, mentor the next generation of consultants, and help clients navigate complex regulatory and ecological challenges across Canada.

You'll contribute your expertise to high-impact projects while building trusted relationships with clients, regulators, Indigenous communities, and project stakeholders. At ERM, you'll be part of a nationally recognized biodiversity team and a global network of environmental and social experts, helping organizations make informed decisions that create lasting value for both business and the environment.

Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to responsible development. In this role, you'll provide technical leadership on terrestrial ecology, soil science, environmental assessment, permitting, and mitigation planning for projects that support Canada's mining, energy, power, and infrastructure sectors. Your expertise will help clients understand environmental risks, meet regulatory requirements, and develop practical solutions that protect ecological values while enabling sustainable project advancement. As a senior member of the team, you'll also help strengthen ERM's technical capabilities through mentorship, collaboration, and business growth initiatives.

• Lead terrestrial ecology and soil science programs that support major mining, energy, and infrastructure projects across Western and Northern Canada.
• Deliver high-quality environmental assessments, permitting applications, and management plans that meet federal, provincial, and territorial requirements.
• Guide clients through complex environmental regulatory processes and mitigation planning strategies.
• Mentor and support junior team members, helping build technical excellence across the ecosystem team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists across Canada and globally to solve challenging environmental issues.
• Develop trusted relationships with clients, Indigenous communities, regulators, landowners, and project stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts and contribute to the continued growth of ERM's ecology practice.
• Help shape sustainable project outcomes through science-based decision‑making and technical leadership.

• Required
  
  B.Sc. degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
• Designation as a Qualified Professional in Alberta and/or British Columbia, or immediate eligibility.
• 6+ years of environmental consulting experience.
• Environmental Assessment and associated permitting experience in BC, Alberta, and/or Northern Canada.
• Expertise with Federal, Provincial, and Territorial regulations and guidelines pertaining to survey methodologies, environmental assessment, and mitigation planning.
• Strong upland and wetland plant identification skills.
• Detailed understanding of rare plant and invasive plant species survey methodologies following provincial standards, guidelines, and procedures.
• Detailed understanding of terrestrial ecosystem mapping under relevant provincial systems (e.g., biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification).
• Detailed understanding of soil surveys and mapping under relevant provincial systems.
• Strong commitment to safety, including following established health and safety protocols.
• Ability to follow directions and take…