Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting

Ready to lead complex energy projects that shape the future of sustainable development?

At ERM, we’re looking for a strategic thinker and hands-on leader to join our Upper Midwest team as a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting. This is your opportunity to influence high-profile energy infrastructure projects across North America—while driving compliance, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Why This Role Matters

Energy development is evolving rapidly, and regulatory compliance is critical to success. As a Managing Consultant, you’ll be at the forefront of guiding clients through environmental permitting and impact assessments for transformative projects—ranging from renewable energy to midstream oil and gas and electric transmission. Your expertise ensures these projects meet federal, state, and local requirements while advancing sustainable solutions.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead environmental permitting strategies for major energy projects regulated by FERC and state siting agencies.
• Shape project outcomes by managing complex, multi-site initiatives on time and within budget.
• Build trusted client relationships and drive business development opportunities.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants, fostering technical excellence and leadership within ERM.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, planning, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 4 years (5 years preferred) of experience in environmental impact assessment, siting, and permitting for energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and state siting regulations (i.e., Minnesota Public Utilities Commission).
• Proven ability to manage projects, lead teams, and communicate effectively with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Excellent technical writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
  
  

Preferred:

• Familiarity with permitting processes in the Upper Midwest (ND, SD, MN, WI, IA).
• GIS and mapping experience (National Wetland Inventory, USGS, aerial photography).
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Manage single or multi-site projects, ensuring scope, budget, and timelines are met.
• Prepare siting and permit applications for federal, state, and local authorities.
• Develop environmental plans (erosion control, stormwater, spill prevention).
• Collaborate with ERM teams on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting.
• Engage with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to secure approvals.
• Generate technical proposals and support business development initiatives.
• Oversee QA/QC processes and mentor junior staff.
  
  

For the Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting position, the anticipated annual base pay is $90,000 – $104,175 (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!