Consulting Director, Regulatory Analyst; Utilities​/Power​/Renewables

Overview

Consulting Director, Planner/Regulatory Specialist role at ERM
. The position is part of ERM’s Capital Project Delivery (CPD) service and focuses on environmental permitting, CEQA/NEPA, and regulatory oversight for large-scale California capital projects in the power and renewables sectors.

• Serve as Expert Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for environmental impact assessment under CEQA- and NEPA-related activities and natural resource permitting in support of ERM clients’ capital projects (e.g., data centers, power generation, electrical transmission, renewable energy projects).
• Oversee the preparation of technical studies and impact assessment documents (e.g., EIRs, Mitigated Negative Declarations); act as program manager, lead technical expert, or QA/QC as needed.
• Lead programs to develop permit strategies, specify best management practices, oversee permit applications, and negotiate conditions with state and federal agencies.
• Direct permitting and compliance for telecom, energy infrastructure, and other linear development projects with emphasis on permits and consultations with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Fish and Wildlife Service, and Regional Water Quality Control Boards.

• Contribute to account teams by shaping client engagement strategy, collaborating with Account Directors/Managers on development, sales, and delivery of ERM’s consulting services to electric/gas transmission and generation siting/development markets.
• Provide business value by identifying and delivering ERM services within client organizations, raising ERM’s profile with key stakeholders.

• Mentor staff consultants, oversee project work, identify and nurture emerging talent, and expand team responsibilities.
• Collaborate in a cross-functional, global team to build ERM’s business, lead client and practice teams, and drive innovation in the Impact Assessment and Planning service offering.
• Meet business health & safety standards, financial targets, project budgets, schedules, client satisfaction, and internal risk/contractual requirements.

Note: This narrative reflects responsibilities and opportunities within ERM’s CPD practice.

• BS in biology, environmental science, or related field.
• 8+ years of consulting experience, including substantial experience with electric/gas transmission and generation markets in California.
• Business acumen to understand risks and opportunities and to provide enterprise-wide solutions for clients.
• Track record in delivering multi-million-dollar environmental programs or winning large and strategic projects.
• Established relationships with California utility companies (e.g., PG&E, SCE, Sempra) to leverage contracts for new opportunities.
• Ability to cultivate new client relationships in collaboration with Account Directors/account teams.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment and related regulatory processes in California.
• Experience overseeing CEQA and NEPA document development; familiarity with California Public Utilities Commission General Order 131-E (formerly
  
  D).
• Recognized technical expertise and reputation with regulators involved in CEQA impact approvals.
• Strong people leadership skills and ability to grow a team of direct and indirect reports.
• Positive, collaborative attitude focused on ERM’s success.

Preferred Requirements:

• MS in biology, environmental science, or related field.
• 15+ years of consulting experience, including substantial experience in California’s electric/gas transmission and generation markets.

For the Consulting Director, Planner/Regulatory Specialist position, anticipated annual base pay is $138,383 – $198,146 (USD). Final pay is based on factors including education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, location, performance, travel, sales/revenue metrics, and business/organizational needs. Bonus eligibility may apply in some cases.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and other eligible benefits.

Note:

Casual employees and part-time staff may have…