Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Development

Are 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 Matters

This 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 Is

• Drive 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’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%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise 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 Responsibilities

• Manage 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.

For the Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power position, the anticipated annual base pay is $125,963 – $160,905 (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.

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.