Job Details

Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist

Join to apply for the Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist role at ERM as part of our growing Capital Project Delivery service offering. We seek an experienced biologist/regulatory specialist to join our thriving global consulting firm to support power and renewables projects in California.

Capabilities and Service Highlights

ERM's Capital Project Delivery (CPD) team focuses on supporting development of projects in power, technology, telecommunications, mining, chemical, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Our goal is to help clients achieve project success while meeting environmental, social, health, and cultural resource expectations. Our CPD service has grown over 20% per year for the past 5 years, making it one of ERM's highest growth areas.

Responsibilities

• 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 (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), 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.
• Serve as a dynamic contributor to existing account teams, diversifying ERM's services with these clients and shaping the strategy for client engagement on these accounts. Collaborate with Account Directors/Managers on client account development, sales, and delivery of the full spectrum of ERM's consulting services.
• Participate in the growth and development of a high-performance team, overseeing project work of staff consultants, and mentoring staff to expand their capabilities.
• Work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment to build ERM's global business and lead client and practice teams.
• Meet business health & safety performance standards, financial targets, overall project budgets and schedules, client satisfaction/expectations, and internal risk management and contractual requirements.

Qualifications

• 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, especially 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 transmission and generation market, as well as a high degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of CEQA impact assessment best practices.
• Experience overseeing the development of CEQA and NEPA documents, with California Public Utilities Commission General Order 131‑E (former D) required.
• Recognized technical expertise by and established reputation in the marketplace, including positive reputation with key regulators relevant to CEQA impact assessment approvals.
• Strong people leadership skills and passion to manage, develop, and grow a team of direct and indirect reports.
• Positive outlook, collaborative, and driven by the success of ERM as a global company.

Preferred Requirements

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

Compensation & Benefits

Annual base pay range: $138,383 – $198,146 (USD). The base pay is determined by factors such as education, experience, skill level, geography, performance, and business needs. The role may also be eligible for bonus pay. Benefits include paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and other eligible employee benefits.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure‑play sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with the world's leading organizations to create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlock commercial opportunities that meet today's needs while preserving future opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ERM is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics.