Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor

About the role

Shape the future of energy infrastructure while leading high-impact environmental permitting and assessment projects across the Gulf region.

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor to join our team in Austin, Texas. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned environmental professional who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, client partnership, and strategic growth.

In this leadership role, you will help guide major traditional and renewable energy developments through complex regulatory processes, influence sustainable project outcomes, and support clients in delivering critical infrastructure projects. At ERM, you'll collaborate with industry-leading experts, expand your professional influence, and help drive the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Why This Role Matters

As the energy industry evolves, successful project delivery depends on balancing regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, stakeholder expectations, and business objectives. ERM partners with leading energy developers to navigate these challenges and create sustainable solutions that move projects forward.

As a Principal Consultant, you will play a critical role in helping clients secure permits, manage environmental risks, and achieve project objectives across a diverse portfolio of capital projects. Your expertise will directly contribute to the development of energy infrastructure that supports communities, economies, and long-term sustainability goals. This role also offers the opportunity to advance along ERM's Partner or Technical Director career pathways.

What Your Impact Is

Strategic Leadership

• Guide clients through siting, permitting, and environmental impact assessments for major energy development projects.
• Provide expert regulatory and technical advice throughout project planning and execution.

Client Growth

• Expand ERM's presence in the energy sector by leveraging industry relationships, identifying opportunities, and supporting business development efforts.
• Build trusted partnerships with clients and serve as a strategic advisor on permitting and environmental compliance matters.

Project Excellence

• Deliver high-quality, compliant, and timely outcomes across a broad range of energy projects, including pipelines, transmission, offshore wind, renewable energy, and other capital developments.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to execute complex projects efficiently and effectively.

Team Development

• Mentor and support technical professionals while fostering collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and professional growth.
• Contribute to ERM's high-performance culture and commitment to technical excellence.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of consulting or energy sector experience (10+ years preferred).
• Proven success in project management and client relationship development.
• Expertise in local, state, and federal permitting, including agencies such as USACE, FERC, BOEM, and USFWS.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage both technical and commercial audiences.
• Business acumen and a demonstrated track record of delivering annual sales.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while leading teams and projects effectively.

Preferred

• Experience with NEPA and ESHIA.
• Established professional reputation and network within the Gulf Coast energy market.
• Experience supporting low-carbon and renewable energy projects.
• Line management, coaching, or mentorship experience.
• Interest in advancing toward Partner or Technical Director career pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and environmental impact assessment efforts for traditional and renewable energy capital projects.
• Lead multi-media permitting activities for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including oversight and coordination with agencies such as the USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen trusted client relationships.
• Collaborate with ERM leadership and account teams to support commercial growth and client expansion.
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies and business development initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality technical work products while maintaining regulatory compliance and project excellence.
• Support team development through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and leadership.
• Contribute to ERM's inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.