Principal Technical Consultant, Engineering

ERM

Principal Consultant leading permitting and compliance for energy infrastructure projects at ERM. Shaping a cleaner and more resilient future with environmental stewardship in the power sector.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeRichmond • Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $106,879 - $162,510 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead permitting and compliance for high-profile electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects
Influence strategic decisions by managing complex regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges
Build trusted client relationships and expand ERM’s footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region
Collaborate globally to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions
Manage permitting tasks for capital development projects, including electric transmission lines and renewable energy initiatives
Prepare and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities
Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports
Participate in agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits (travel up to 20%)
Collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting
Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and delivering exceptional technical solutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field
8+ years in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks (VA/Mid-Atlantic preferred)
Permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia (required); West Virginia and Kentucky (preferred)
Knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 401/404), Endangered Species Act (Section 7), National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106)
Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, VMRC permitting requirements
Strong technical writing, project management, and communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Experience reviewing Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits (preferred)
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders

Benefits

Comp & perks

paid time off
parental leave
medical
dental
vision
life
disability
AD&D insurance
401(k) or RRSP/DPSP
other applicable benefits to eligible employees

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

permittingcomplianceproject managementtechnical writingErosion & Sediment Control PlansStormwater Pollution Prevention PlansVirginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitsimpact assessmentsrouting studiesfacility siting

Soft Skills

client relationship managementstrategic decision makingcollaborationbusiness developmentinfluencing stakeholdersmanaging multiple prioritiescommunicationleadership