Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement & Indigenous Interests Assessment

ERM: Environmental Resources Management; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is searching for a Principal Consultant in Strategic Engagement & Indigenous Interests Assessment. This role focuses on driving strategic engagement and consultation programs, mentoring teams, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into environmental projects. The ideal candidate should possess a degree related to Indigenous studies or environmental sciences and at least 6 years of relevant experience, particularly in Indigenous engagement. This position offers a salary range of CAD 108,001–131,050 and includes benefits like medical insurance and paid time off.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or Indigenous interests assessment.
• Proven track record working with Indigenous Nations in BC and/or across Canada.
• Ability to travel within Canada (approx. 10%).

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic Indigenous engagement and consultation programs.
• Lead Indigenous Interests Assessments and integrate Indigenous knowledge.
• Support Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use studies.

Skills

Indigenous engagement

Consultation

Regulatory frameworks

Leadership

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography

Tools

Stakeholder engagement platforms

Job description

Lead the Future of Indigenous Engagement and Strategic Impact at ERM

Are you ready to shape meaningful change and influence how organizations advance reconciliation in Canada? At ERM, we’re not just consultants—we’re trusted partners driving sustainable solutions and fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations. This is your opportunity to lead a practice that matters, where your expertise will create lasting impact for communities, clients, and the environment.

Why This Role Matters

As a Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement & Indigenous Interests Assessment, you will be a key leader within ERM Canada’s Regulatory and Permitting Team. Your work will directly support ERM’s Reconciliation Strategy and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This role is about more than compliance—it’s about building trust, integrating Indigenous knowledge into decision‑making, and shaping projects that respect rights and deliver shared benefits.

What Your Impact Is

• Drive strategic Indigenous engagement and consultation programs that influence major infrastructure, natural resource, and renewable energy projects.
• Lead Indigenous Interests Assessments and integrate Indigenous knowledge into environmental and social impact assessments.
• Advise clients and internal teams on culturally appropriate practices, regulatory frameworks, and reconciliation strategies.
• Mentor and inspire multidisciplinary teams while fostering collaboration with Indigenous Nations and stakeholders.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Indigenous Studies, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or Indigenous interests assessment.
• Proven track record working with Indigenous Nations in BC and/or across Canada.
• Expertise in regulatory frameworks, including BC Environmental Assessment Office or BC Energy Regulator guidelines.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and technical writing skills.
• Driver’s License Required: This position requires a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• Ability to travel within Canada (approx. 10 %).

Preferred

• 10+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or Indigenous interests assessment.
• Experience with Indigenous‑led or co‑developed assessment models.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement platforms (e.g., Jambo, NetBenefit, StakeTracker, Borealis).
• Knowledge of federal and other provincial/territorial regulations (Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead Indigenous engagement and consultation programs with clients, Indigenous Nations, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Conduct Indigenous Interests Assessments in compliance with Duty to Consult and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Support Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use studies, assess impacts on rights and interests, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Integrate Indigenous perspectives into environmental assessments and project design.
• Provide strategic regulatory leadership and prepare filings, engagement summaries, and technical reports.
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to internal capacity building.
• Participate in business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Maintain expertise through ongoing training and stay current on regulatory changes.

Location

Flexible within British Columbia (Vancouver, Smithers) or other Canadian offices (Whitehorse, Calgary, Saskatoon), with remote options available.

Join ERM and make a difference where it matters most—advancing reconciliation, respecting Indigenous rights, and shaping sustainable futures.

For the Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement & Indigenous Interests Assessment position, the anticipated annual base pay is $108,001–$131,050 (CAD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed‑term/flex‑force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure‑play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM, we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

ERM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, Indigenous identity, or status as a protected veteran or qualified individual with a disability.

Our organization uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to assist in the recruitment process. These tools may help screen, assess, and/or evaluate applicants based on information provided in resumes, applications, and other submitted materials. All AI systems are designed to support fair and efficient hiring decisions and operate under human oversight. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to the use of AI tools in evaluating your candidacy. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact us at [e-mail].

Thank you for your interest in ERM!