Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry

erm; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Geochemistry, based in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, to lead major projects in Canada's mining and resource sectors. You will guide geochemical characterization studies, ML/ARD programs, and environmental permitting while mentoring multidisciplinary teams.

You will shape client strategies, strengthen relationships, and expand ERM's water management services across Canada and beyond, collaborating with global experts to deliver sustainable

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geochemistry or 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.

Responsibilities

• Be the lead geochemist responsible for technical execution of 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 meet client scope and budget.

Skills

Geochemistry expertise

ML/ARD management

Environmental assessment

Project leadership

Client relationships

Education

MSc or 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.

What You'll Bring

Required

• 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.

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 reputation 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