Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy DevelopmentAre you ready to shape the next era of clean energy? At ERM, we’re not just permitting projects—we’re driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power, you’ll play a strategic role in guiding environmental impact assessments and permitting for some of the Midwest’s most transformative renewable energy projects. From solar farms to battery storage systems and energy transmission infrastructure, your expertise will help accelerate sustainable progress across the U.S.Why This Role MattersThis is more than a consulting position—it’s a leadership opportunity to influence how renewable energy projects are planned, permitted, and delivered. You’ll be at the forefront of environmental stewardship, ensuring compliance while enabling innovation. Your work will directly support ERM’s mission to help businesses thrive sustainably and meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions.What Your Impact IsDrive permitting strategies for large-scale renewable energy and technology infrastructure projects.Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality environmental studies and compliance solutions.Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, shaping projects that balance development and environmental responsibility.Expand ERM’s market presence through your expertise and network, contributing to our growth in the power sector.What You’ll BringRequiredBachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, planning, geography, or related field; or 8+ years equivalent experience.6+ years of project management and permitting experience (Preferred: 8+ years), ideally in the power sector.Proven experience with federal, state, and local permitting, including preparation of local permit applications for renewable energy projects.Strong technical writing and analytical skills; ability to present findings to clients and regulatory agencies.Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and deliver projects on time and within budget.Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area. Willingness to travel (approx. 25%).PreferredExpertise in local land use permitting processes, including Conditional or Special Use Permits.Familiarity with requirements from municipalities and counties (e.g., buffer widths, vegetative screening, noise analyses, water quality monitoring, stormwater review criteria).Experience optimizing project layouts based on local permitting requirements.GIS proficiency and ability to interpret maps and environmental data.Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesManage complex permitting and compliance efforts for renewable energy and tech sector projects.Oversee preparation of permitting documents, environmental reviews, and discipline-specific reports (biological, cultural, noise, decommissioning plans, etc.).Serve as project manager, task manager, technical expert, and QA/QC reviewer for deliverables.Develop permitting strategies, conduct due diligence, and ensure quality control across all impact assessment deliverables.Prepare technical proposals and support business development initiatives to grow ERM’s renewable energy portfolio.Interface with clients, lead meetings, and provide strategic insights to optimize project implementation.Collaborate with ERM’s global technical teams to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions.Ready to lead the charge toward a sustainable future? Join ERM and make an impact that matters—regionally, nationally, and globally.For the Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power position, the anticipated annual base pay is $127,648 - $163,088 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible). We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees. Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures. Who We Are:As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level. Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 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. Thank you for your interest in ERM! #LI-HybridSummaryLocation: Rolling Meadows, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Holland, Michigan; Novi, Michigan; Cincinnati, OhioType: Full time