Lead Renewable Energy Permitting - Principal Land Use Planner

ERM; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Land Use Planner to lead permitting strategies and land use planning for utility-scale renewable projects in Oregon and Washington. You will guide regulatory applications, coordinate with agencies, and mentor teams to ensure compliant project delivery.

You will apply expertise in land use planning, permitting, and regulatory analysis to minimize risks and optimize permit outcomes for clients in a fast-paced consultancy setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resources, Public Policy, or 12 years of equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience supporting permitting and land use planning for renewable energy, transmission, infrastructure, or similar projects.
• Experience preparing land use permit applications and supporting local government approval processes.
• Zoning analyses, code consistency evaluations, and findings demonstrating compliance with land use regulations.
• Familiarity with Oregon land use planning requirements and Washington SEPA/permits.
• Excellent writing, communication, and client management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support permit strategies and entitlement pathways for utility-scale solar, BESS, wind, and energy infrastructure in OR and WA.
• Lead preparation of county and municipal land use permit applications, including Conditional Use Permits and Goal Exceptions.
• Coordinate with agencies, counties, municipalities, and districts for permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Perform detailed zoning and land use due diligence assessments for project sites.
• Interpret local codes and state requirements to identify permitting risks and opportunities.
• Develop findings of fact and permit application narratives for project approvals.
• Support EFSC and EFSEC review processes with application materials and compliance reporting.
• Mentor junior staff in permitting, planning, and project management.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Land use planning

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Project management

Client management

Zoning analyses

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Planning / Urban & Regional Planning / Environmental Science / Geography / Natural Resources / Public Policy (or 12 years equivalent)

Job description

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Land Use Planner to lead permitting strategies and land use planning for utility-scale renewable projects in Oregon and Washington. You will guide regulatory applications, coordinate with agencies, and mentor teams to ensure compliant project delivery.

You will apply expertise in land use planning, permitting, and regulatory analysis to minimize risks and optimize permit outcomes for clients in a fast-paced consultancy setting.