Managing Consultant, Scientist

ERM; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 143,250 - 183,509; Full time

Job summary

ERM in Boston, MA seeks a Consulting Director, Scientist to lead complex environmental permitting projects across infrastructure and energy sectors. You will provide senior technical leadership and manage permitting strategies and regulatory approvals while advancing sustainable outcomes.

The role requires 15+ years of experience, a strong track record in wetlands science, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with clients, and mentor staff through permitting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental field or related discipline.
• 15+ years in environmental consulting or wetlands science.
• Experience managing complex permitting programs for infrastructure projects.
• Deep knowledge of wetlands regulations and permitting processes.
• Strong leadership and client-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental permitting efforts for infrastructure and energy projects.
• Prepare permit applications and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor teams in wetlands delineation and ecological assessments.
• Guide projects through regulatory processes and approvals.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and client communications.
• Develop scopes of work, proposals, and budgets.
• Support business development and growth initiatives.

Skills

Permitting leadership

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or related

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Lead Complex Environmental Permitting Projects that Shape Sustainable Infrastructure

ERM is seeking an experienced Consulting Director, Scientist to join our Capital Project Delivery (CPD) service line in our Boston, Massachusetts office. In this high‑impact role, you will provide senior technical leadership and project management expertise across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and development projects, helping clients achieve successful permitting strategies and regulatory approvals while advancing sustainable outcomes.

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical in ensuring that complex infrastructure, energy, and public‑sector projects navigate regulatory landscapes effectively while protecting environmentally sensitive resources. As a senior advisor, you will guide clients through permitting processes and help deliver solutions that balance development and environmental stewardship.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead environmental permitting efforts for infrastructure, energy, renewable energy, water, and public‑sector projects.
• Prepare and manage permit applications, regulatory submissions, and supporting technical documentation.
• Obtain environmental approvals and guide projects through regulatory processes.
• Mentor and oversee wetland delineations, ecological assessments, habitat evaluations, and environmental field investigations as needed.
• Provide technical expertise related to wetland restoration, coastal wetland protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate project impacts to wetlands, waterways, and other sensitive ecological resources.
• Develop mitigation strategies and permitting approaches to support successful project approvals.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects from planning through permitting and construction support.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, schedules, budgets, and client communications.
• Develop scopes of work, proposals, cost estimates, and execution plans.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with conservation commissions, state agencies, and federal regulators.
• Provide strategic guidance on environmental regulations and permitting pathways.
• Support business development and contribute to growth initiatives.

Required

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Ecology, or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, wetlands science, ecological permitting, or related environmental management fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental permitting programs for complex infrastructure and development projects.
• Extensive knowledge of wetland regulations, environmental permitting processes, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary project teams and deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Strong client relationship management skills with a track record of supporting business growth.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of technical competence in environmental impact assessment best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies, conservation commissions, or municipal environmental programs.
• Professional certifications such as JD, CEP, AICP, PWS, or similar.
• Expertise in wetland restoration, coastal resource management, or habitat protection initiatives.

For the Consulting Director, Scientist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $143,250–$183,509 (USD). 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.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!