Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry

ERM; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 118,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry, based in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, to lead major mining and resource projects across Canada. You will integrate geochemistry, water resource management, environmental assessment, and permitting to deliver technically rigorous solutions and mentor multidisciplinary teams.

You will build strong client relationships, shape ERM's integrated water management services, and contribute to growth by developing technical proposals and

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geochemistry or a related field.
• 6+ years of consulting experience in geochemistry and water resources.
• Registered professional in a Canadian jurisdiction.
• Experience leading geochemical characterization studies and ML/ARD programs.
• Strong knowledge of environmental assessment and permitting in mining.

Responsibilities

• Lead geochemical characterization studies and ML/ARD management for major projects.
• Provide senior technical leadership and review deliverables.
• Mentor multidisciplinary teams and grow ERM's water management services.
• Develop robust mass balance and geochemical models for clients.
• Collaborate across hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, aquatics, and toxicology.
• Develop new business and client relationships.

Skills

Geochemistry expertise

Leadership

Project management

Client relationships

Communication skills

Education

MSc/PhD in Geochemistry

Job description

Lead Technical Excellence. Influence Major Project Outcomes. Drive Sustainable Growth.

As a Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry based in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, you will play a highly visible leadership role supporting some of Canada's most significant mining and resource development projects. Leveraging your expertise in geochemistry, water resource management, environmental assessment, and permitting, you will lead complex technical studies, mentor multidisciplinary teams, strengthen client relationships, and help shape the growth of ERM's environmental consulting practice. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside globally recognized experts dedicated to solving complex sustainability challenges.

Why This Role Matters

ERM is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and sustainability consulting services, supporting organizations in more than 40 countries. For over 40 years, we have partnered with many of the world’s leading organizations, including Global Fortune 500 companies and government clients, helping them navigate increasingly complex environmental and sustainability challenges.

In Canada, our clients are primarily in the mining and oil & gas sectors, where we support water management and environmental performance throughout the entire project lifecycle. We are currently engaged in transformative projects with major clients, and your expertise will directly contribute to their success.

In this role, you will provide senior technical leadership on major, multimillion-dollar projects while helping expand ERM's integrated water management services. You will have the opportunity to shape project outcomes, influence environmental decision-making, mentor future leaders, and play a key role in growing our business across Canada and globally.

What Your Impact Is

You will serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor, integrating geochemistry with hydrology, hydrogeology, aquatics, and toxicology to deliver innovative and practical solutions for clients. Your work will support environmental assessment and permitting for large-scale capital projects, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements while advancing responsible resource development.

Beyond project execution, you will contribute to the growth of ERM's technical practices by developing strong client partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and collaborating with colleagues throughout our global network. Your leadership, technical credibility, and strategic perspective will help drive client success and strengthen ERM's position as a market leader.

Required

What You'll Bring

• MSc or PhD in Geochemistry or a related field.
• 6+ years consulting experience in geochemistry, water resource management, impact assessment, and permitting.
• Registered professional in a Canadian jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience leading geochemical characterization studies and ML/ARD management programs.
• Solid understanding of environmental assessment, permitting processes, and regulatory drivers within the mining sector.
• High degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of impact assessment best practices.
• Experience developing technical analyses, mass balance models, and geochemical models.
• Well-developed team-building and influencing skills.
• Unquestionable integrity and professional credibility.
• Experience effectively addressing complex client and business challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive outlook, collaborative mindset, and commitment to the success of a global organization.
• 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.

Preferred

• 10+ years consulting experience preferred in geochemistry, water resource management, impact assessment, and permitting.
• Established reputation in the marketplace as a recognized geochemistry and water resources specialist.
• Positive relationships with key regulators involved in environmental approvals.
• Experience supporting large-scale mining and natural resource capital projects.
• Existing relationships with mining sector clients across Canada.
• Business development experience, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and securing new work.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and globally distributed project teams.
• Expertise in integrated water management, environmental impact assessment, land planning, facility siting and permitting, risk assessment, and water resources management.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the lead geochemist responsible for technical execution of existing project work related to geochemical characterization studies and ML/ARD management as inputs into environmental assessment and permitting for large-scale capital projects.
• Delegate work and serve as senior technical reviewer to ensure deliverables achieve client expectations for scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
• Lead, manage performance, hire and retain, inspire, and mentor personnel for the overall success of the technical team.
• Deliver insights and value for clients through technical analyses and the development of robust mass balance and geochemical models.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, aquatics, and toxicology specialists, to develop integrated field investigations and modelling studies that provide value to clients.
• Provide leadership and expertise to expand ERM’s integrated water management services to our client base in Canada.
• Serve as a key member of the core technical team driving growth across environmental impact assessment, land planning, facility siting and permitting, risk assessment, and water resources management.
• Capitalize on existing ERM client relationships to expand ERM’s profile and market share through a combination of technical excellence and business development.
• Contribute to the business development of ERM’s global impact assessment and planning service area.
• Identify and develop new opportunities, prepare effective technical proposals, and take an active leadership role in developing new business with new and existing clients.
• Serve as a key client contact and trusted advisor, building strong relationships based on trust, credibility, and mutual success.
• Actively contribute to ERM’s international water resources technical community.
• Collaborate with ERM practitioners globally to execute projects and share technical expertise.
• Participate on multidisciplinary impact assessment teams consisting of professionals from multiple offices across the global ERM organization.
• Provide senior technical expertise on major, multimillion-dollar projects throughout Canada and globally.

For the Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,800-$147,300 (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 subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (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, RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

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.

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.

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.

Notice Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring

• 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!