Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level)

ERM; Smithers; Hybrid; CAD 114,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Consultant in Impact Assessment/Permitting. The role involves providing regulatory leadership and technical expertise in environmental projects across Canada, particularly in renewable energy, oil and gas, and mining sectors. The successful candidate will lead multi-disciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This position offers flexibility for remote work and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision, life, disability plans

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in environmental consulting or impact assessment.
• Expertise with Canadian regulations, especially in BC, Alberta, Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and regulatory leadership for environmental assessment projects.
• Design and support engagement activities with regulators and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences

Job description

Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level)

Join to apply for the Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level) role at ERM

Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level)

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level) role at ERM

ERM (Environmental Resources Management) is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services. We are currently seeking a Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting to join our team to help shape and support the growth of our Canadian Regulatory and Permitting Team. This position would ideally be based in one of our Canadian offices (e.g., Vancouver, Smithers, Whitehorse, Calgary, Saskatoon, Toronto), but would allow for flexibility and remote work from other locations. Applicants in other locations in Canada will also be considered.

The role requires subject matter expertise within the infrastructure or natural resource development sector—particularly in renewable energy, transportation, oil and gas, or mining sectors—combined with a demonstrated understanding of applicable provincial/territorial and federal regulatory and permitting requirements. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in British Columbia, Alberta, and/or Ontario provincial permitting and impact assessment processes. The successful candidate will become a leader in ERM Canada’s Regulatory and Permitting Team and will be connected with ERM’s regional team of environmental and social experts.

This posting is designed for a resourceful, motivated person with experience and skills in environmental assessment and/or permitting who enjoys problem-solving and is ready for the next stage of their career by leading multi-disciplinary teams within a challenging and fast-paced multi-stakeholder environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical and regulatory leadership for projects advancing through provincial / territorial / federal environmental assessment and permitting processes. This includes working closely with ERM Partners, Technical Directors, and Project Managers to provide regulatory support to clients, lead internal technical teams, and ensure the timely delivery of quality products that fully meet the client and regulator’s requirements.
2. Provide advice, guidance, and senior review on a variety of regulatory, permitting, environmental impact assessment tasks in support of clients’ projects.
3. Design and support engagement activities with regulators, Indigenous groups, communities, and stakeholders as part of the project design and regulatory process.
4. Provide expert technical input and guidance to team members on the application of regulatory and permitting requirements applicable to client projects, to develop technical expertise across sectors and regulatory jurisdictions.
5. Work on multiple projects, supporting management of risks and implementing ERM’s quality standards for project deliverables.
6. Execute activities such as conducting environmental assessment and/or permit application scoping; managing information requirements/requests; technical writing; researching and reviewing data and regulations/guidance; collecting and integrating input from ERM’s subject matter experts; preparing permit and environmental management plans; delegating GIS, data compilation, and desktop publishing assignments to support applications; and developing recommendations for clients.
7. Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees worldwide.
8. Lead preparation of technical proposals, including the development of technical scopes and cost estimates, and participate in business development with existing clients and identified leads.
9. Partake in ERM internal and external training opportunities to maintain and grow work-related skills and remain current on changes to regulatory requirements.
10. Actively embrace and support ERM’s leading health and safety training and workplace environment.
11. Think critically and strategically, helping to influence the impact of our work within our team, and positive outcomes for our clients.

Depending on the skills, experience, and interest of the candidate, this role may also include project management of a variety of regulatory, permitting, and environmental impact assessment tasks in support of clients’ projects.

Qualifications & Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or related field. Or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years (10 years preferred) of experience in environmental consulting, impact assessment, or industry experience within relevant sectors.
• Expertise with Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial regulations and guidelines, especially in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, or similar legislation in other jurisdictions.
• Experience delivering complex, large projects across sectors such as oil and gas, ports, marine, mining, renewables, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory and permitting requirements related to mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and transportation projects.
• Excellent writing, communication, organization, and team management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, inspire teams, and work in a demanding environment.
• Experience leading technical deliverables for regulatory applications within an integrated team.
• Experience providing strategic guidance to clients navigating the regulatory process.
• Strong commitment to safety, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
• Demonstrated growth mindset, eagerness to learn, and ability to apply new skills.
• Dependability, flexibility, and collaborative nature.
• Experience working with Indigenous groups and community engagement is an asset.
• Fluency in multiple languages, including Indigenous languages or French, is an asset.
• Experience supporting clients with provincial permitting processes in British Columbia, Alberta, or Ontario is an asset.

The annual base pay for this position is estimated between $114,581 and $140,000 CAD, depending on various factors including education, experience, skills, and location. Bonus pay may also be available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.

You can apply via ERM Careers or through the internal portal if you're an employee.

Who We Are: ERM is the largest global pure-play sustainability consultancy, partnering with organizations to create sustainable solutions and unlock opportunities. We value diversity and inclusiveness, believing it strengthens our solutions and workplace environment. Our team supports clients across their organizations to operationalize sustainability, from ground to boardroom.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter. ERM is committed to accessibility and equal opportunity employment. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.