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Principal Technical Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

Overview

As part of the continued growth and innovation of ERM's Capital Project Delivery (CPD) service offering, ERM has an opportunity for an experienced biologist/regulatory specialist to join our global consulting firm as the Principal Technical Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting and leading environmental permitting efforts with California utility companies, with technical expertise in natural resource permitting, CEQA/NEPA, and large-scale capital projects in California. This role supports ERM’s growth by selling and delivering world-class services and advancing our reputation for supporting the development of complex projects.

This Principal Technical Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist role offers significant career growth opportunities, including potential eligibility for ERM’s path to partnership after the first year upon successful leadership demonstration and performance targets. There are also potential growth opportunities in Account Management and people leadership.

ERM’s Capital Project Delivery Service:

ERM’s CPD team focuses on supporting development of projects in the power, technology, telecommunications, mining, chemical, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Our goal is to help clients achieve project success from planning through construction and operation while meeting expectations for assessment and management of environmental, social, health, and cultural resources. By addressing these issues early in project planning, we help clients meet environmental/social performance objectives, enable savings in capital and operating costs, and avoid delays in approvals.

ERM’s CPD offering is ERM’s highest growth area globally, with more than 1,000 CPD professionals worldwide and a broad range of technical disciplines. ERM supports some of the most challenging development projects globally, which attracts and retains highly skilled consultants who comprise the CPD team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as Project 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 , electrical transmission, renewable energy projects).

Contribute to preparing technical studies and impact assessment documents, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Biological Constraints Reports, serving in roles from program manager to lead technical expert to QA/QC.

Lead programs to develop permit strategies, specify best management practices, and prepare permit applications; negotiate conditions with applicable state and federal agencies.

Direct permitting and compliance for telecom, energy infrastructure, and other linear development projects with emphasis on permits and consultations with agencies such as the 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 Boards.

Serve as a dynamic contributor to select client account teams, shaping client engagement strategy and delivering ERM services across the electric/gas transmission and siting/development markets. Provide business value through strategic selling and expanding ERM’s capabilities within key client organizations.

Participate in growing and developing a high-performance team, overseeing work of staff consultants, mentoring and nurturing emerging talent, and expanding responsibilities for rising stars.

Collaborate in a cross-functional, global team to build ERM’s business, lead client and practice teams, and drive innovation in the Impact Assessment and Planning service offering to stay ahead of client needs.

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

REQUIREMENTS

BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or related field.

6+ years of consulting experience, including substantial experience with the electric/gas transmission and markets in California.

Strong business acumen to understand risks and opportunities for enterprise-wide solutions.

Proven track record in delivering multi-million dollar environmental programs or winning large, strategic projects.

Established relationships with California utility companies (e.g., PG&E, SCE, Sempra) for leveraging opportunities.

Ability to cultivate new client relationships with Bay Area-based Technology, Media, and Telecommunications clients, in collaboration with Account Directors/Managers.

Solid understanding of impact assessment and management issues in the California electric/gas transmission and market; strong technical competence in CEQA.

Recognized technical expertise with a positive reputation among regulators relevant to CEQA approvals.

Strong people leadership skills with a passion to manage and grow a team.

Collaborative, results-driven mindset aligned with ERM’s global mission.

Note: The role includes compensation details, benefits, and employment terms as described by ERM policies. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on performance and the company’s pay practices.

How to Apply and About ERM

You can apply for this role through https://www.erm.com/careers/apply/ or via the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

ERM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on , , , , , , , , veteran status, status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes, and is not responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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Principal Technical Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

United States
Full time

Published on 09/19/2025

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