Principal Consultant – Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

ERM

Principal Consultant managing environmental permitting and compliance for renewable energy projects in California. Leading complex regulatory assessments and mentoring talent in sustainability consultancy.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeWalnut Creek • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $111,000 - $160,905 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale power and renewable projects
Serve as a trusted advisor to California utilities and technology clients on CEQA/NEPA and natural resource permitting
Drive innovation in impact assessment and permitting strategies to accelerate project timelines
Mentor and develop emerging talent while contributing to ERM’s growth trajectory
Position ERM as the go-to partner for complex capital project delivery in California

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or related field
6+ years of consulting experience with substantial expertise in California electric/gas transmission and generation markets
Proven track record delivering multi-million-dollar environmental programs or winning strategic projects
Established relationships with California utilities (PG&E, SCE, Sempra) and key regulators
Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA impact assessment best practices and permitting processes
Business acumen to identify opportunities and deliver enterprise-wide solutions

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

environmental permittingregulatory complianceimpact assessmentpermitting strategiesenvironmental programsCEQANEPAbiological assessmentnatural resource permittingproject delivery

Soft Skills

mentoringleadershipbusiness acumeninnovationrelationship buildingconsultingstrategic thinkingcommunicationteam developmentclient advisory

Certifications

BS in biologyMS in environmental science