Principal Consultant, Biologist/Regulatory Specialist, Power and Renewables

ERM

Principal Consultant leading CEQA/NEPA permitting and environmental compliance for California renewable energy projects at ERM. Advising utilities, preparing impact documents, and mentoring consultants.

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, particularly in CEQA/NEPA processes, while effectively leading teams and fostering client relationships in the California energy sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CEQA/NEPA Impact AssessmentEnvironmental PermittingCalifornia Electric/Gas Transmission ExpertiseClient Relationship ManagementLeadership and Team Development

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Environmental Impact DocumentsTechnical Studies PreparationPermit Strategy DevelopmentRegulatory ComplianceBiological Constraints ReportsImpact Assessment Best PracticesNegotiation with Regulatory AgenciesMulti-Million-Dollar Environmental ProgramsConsulting ExperienceProject Management

Soft Skills

MentoringTeam Culture DevelopmentBusiness AcumenInnovation DrivingCollaboration

Industry Keywords

California UtilitiesPG&ESCESempraTelecom InfrastructureEnergy InfrastructureNatural Resource PermittingBay Area TechnologyMediaTelecommunications

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 value to clients
Mentor consultants 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
Contribute to ERM’s growth and position ERM as a 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
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 preferred

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
Ongoing development across technical, business, and personal growth subject areas