Principal Consultant, Biologist​/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

ERM has an opportunity for an experienced biologist/regulatory specialist to join our thriving global consulting firm as a Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting and leading environmental permitting efforts with California utility companies along with technical expertise leading natural resource permitting, CEQA/NEPA, and large-scale capital projects in California.

This Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist role offers significant career growth opportunities. After the first year, and upon successful demonstration of leadership capabilities and completion of performance targets, you may become eligible for ERMs path to partnership – a leadership development program designed to support promotion to Partner.

ERM’s Capital Project Delivery (CPD) team focuses on supporting development of projects in the power, technology, telecommunications, mining, chemical, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Our goal is always the same: assisting our clients in achieving project success, from planning through construction and operation, while meeting expectations for assessment and management of impacts on environmental, social, health, and cultural resources.

• Serve as Project Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for environmental impact assessment under CEQA- and NEPA-related activities and natural resource permitting in support of ERM clients’ capital projects.
• Contribute to preparing technical studies and impact assessment documents, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Biological Constraints Reports.
• Lead programs to develop permit strategies, specify best management practices; prepare permit applications and negotiate conditions with applicable state and federal agencies.
• Direct permitting and compliance associated with telecom, energy infrastructure and other linear development projects with an emphasis on 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 Board permits and consultations.
• Serve as a dynamic contributor to a select group of existing account teams, diversifying ERMs services with these clients and shaping the strategy for client engagement on these accounts.
• Participate in the growth and development of a high-performance team, overseeing project work of staff consultants, and serving as a mentor to staff consultants.
• Work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment to build ERM’s global business, as well as to lead client and practice teams.

• BS/MS in biology, environmental science or related field.
• 6+ years of consulting experience, including substantial experience with the electric/gas transmission and generation markets in California.
• Business acumen to understand business risks and challenges, and to recognize opportunities to provide enterprise-wide solutions for clients.
• Demonstrable track record in delivering multi-million dollar environmental programs or successfully winning large and strategic projects.
• Established relationships with California utility companies, in particular PG&E, SCE and Sempra, to leverage existing contract agreements for new project opportunities.
• Solid grasp of the key impact assessment and management issues within the California electric/gas transmission and generation market, as well as a high degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of CEQA impact assessment best practices.
• Recognized technical expertise by and established reputation in the marketplace, including positive reputation with key regulators relevant to CEQA impact assessment approvals.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.