Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist – Power and Renewables

ERM

Principal consultant leading CEQA/NEPA permitting for California power and renewable projects at ERM, a global sustainability consultancy. Preparing environmental studies, advising utilities, and mentoring delivery teams.

Posted 8/11/2026full-timeWalnut Creek • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $111,000 - $160,905 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, particularly in CEQA/NEPA processes, while effectively leading teams and fostering client relationships in the power and renewable sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CEQA/NEPA Impact AssessmentEnvironmental PermittingProject ManagementClient Relationship ManagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Environmental Impact ReportsBiological Constraints ReportsPermit Strategy DevelopmentTechnical Study PreparationRegulatory ComplianceImpact Assessment Best PracticesNegotiation with Regulatory AgenciesConsulting ExperienceBiologyEnvironmental Science

Soft Skills

MentoringTeam DevelopmentBusiness AcumenCollaborationInnovation

Industry Keywords

California UtilitiesElectric/Gas TransmissionEnergy InfrastructureTelecommunicationsNatural Resource PermittingHealth and Safety StandardsClient Satisfaction MetricsStrategic ProjectsEmerging TalentHigh-Performance Team Culture

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale power and renewable projects
Advise California utilities and technology clients on CEQA/NEPA and natural resource permitting
Drive innovation in impact assessment and permitting strategies
Serve as Project Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for CEQA/NEPA impact assessments and natural resource permitting
Prepare technical studies and environmental impact documents, including EIRs and Biological Constraints Reports
Develop permit strategies, prepare applications, and negotiate conditions with state and federal agencies
Direct permitting and compliance for telecom, energy infrastructure, and linear development projects
Collaborate with Account Directors to expand ERM’s services and deliver strategic client value
Mentor consultants, identify emerging talent, and foster a high-performance team culture
Drive innovation within ERM’s Impact Assessment and Planning service offering
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, financial targets, and client satisfaction metrics

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS in biology, environmental science, or a related field
6+ years of consulting experience
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, including PG&E, SCE, and 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
Experience cultivating new client relationships with Bay Area technology, media, and telecommunications companies preferred
Recognized technical authority and positive reputation with regulatory agencies preferred
Strong leadership skills and passion for mentoring and team development

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus pay eligibility
Paid time off
Parental leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
AD&D insurance
401(k) or RRSP/DPSP
Clear path to partnership after demonstrating leadership and performance success
Collaboration with a global network of sustainability experts and thought leaders
Ongoing development across technical, business, and personal growth subject areas