Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

ERM

Principal Consultant guiding environmental impact assessments and permitting for renewable energy projects at ERM. Leading teams and driving compliance to facilitate sustainable energy solutions.

Posted 5/20/2026full-timeRolling Meadows • Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $125,963 - $160,905 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 frequent travel.
Willingness to travel (approx. 25%).
Preferred 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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

paid time off
parental leave
medical
dental
vision
life
disability
AD&D insurance
401(k) or RRSP/DPSP

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

permitting strategiesenvironmental studiescompliance solutionstechnical writinganalytical skillsproject managementlocal land use permittingGIS proficiencyimpact assessmentdue diligence

Soft Skills

leadershiprelationship buildingstrategic insightsteam managementcommunicationorganizational skillstime managementproblem-solvingcollaborationclient interfacing