Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement & Indigenous Interests Assessment

ERM; Whitehorse; Hybrid; CAD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

A global sustainability consultancy is seeking a Principal Consultant to lead Indigenous engagement and strategic impact initiatives. This crucial role requires deep expertise in working with Indigenous Nations and the ability to influence major projects and policies. The successful candidate will mentor teams, drive consultation programs, and integrate Indigenous knowledge and rights into environmental assessments. A Bachelor's degree and significant experience in related fields are essential. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) or RRSP

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or assessment.
• Proven track record working with Indigenous Nations.
• Strong familiarity with regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic Indigenous engagement programs.
• Lead Indigenous Interests Assessments.
• Mentor multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Indigenous engagement

Consultation

Leadership

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher 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.
• Valid driver’s licence and/or ability to operate a company vehicle due to 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.

Compensation

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).

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Application Instructions

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.

Recruiting Agency Notice

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Thank You

Thank you for your interest in ERM!