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

Position: Consulting Director, Regulatory Analyst (Utilities/Power/Renewables)
Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist

Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr.

As part of the continued growth and innovation of our Capital Project Delivery service offering, ERM has an opportunity for an experienced biologist/regulatory specialist to join our thriving global consulting firm as a Consulting Director, Planner/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.

We seek an individual to help us drive the continued growth of ERM’s business through selling and delivering world‑class services, and further advancing our reputation for supporting development of some of the world’s most complex projects.

This 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 ERM’s path to partnership – a leadership development program designed to support promotion to Partner. It also offers potential growth opportunities in Account Management and people leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the 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 in a variety of resource areas, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Mitigated Negative Declarations, serving in roles ranging from program manager to lead technical expert to QA/QC.

• Lead programs to develop permit strategies, specify best management practices; oversee the preparation of 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.

• Contribute to a select group of existing account teams, diversifying ERM’s 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. Identify emerging talent and help them reach full potential.

• Work in a collaborative, cross‑functional team environment to build ERM’s global business, as well as to lead client and practice teams. Drive innovation within the Impact Assessment and Planning service offering to stay ahead of client needs and differentiate ERM in the market.

• Meet business health & safety performance standards, financial targets, overall project budgets and schedules, client satisfaction/expectations, and internal risk management and contractual requirements.

REQUIREMENTS

• BS in biology, environmental science or related field.

• 8+ 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.

• Drive and ability to cultivate new client relationships in collaboration with existing Account Directors and account teams.

• Solid grasp of the key impact assessment and management issues within the California electric/gas…