Managing Consultant, Impact Assessment and Permitting

ERM; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Managing Consultant, Impact Assessment and Permitting, to lead permitting for solar, wind, transmission, and other large-scale projects from Atlanta or Charlotte. You will direct regulatory reviews, coordinate with clients, and mentor junior staff while delivering compliant, timely outcomes.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in NEPA, habitat assessments, and wetlands delineations, with 7–10 years of permitting experience and a proven ability to build client relationships

Qualifications

• BS/MS in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences. Or equivalent experience.
• 4-6 years of due diligence and permitting experience (7-10 years preferred).
• Proven expertise in wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and species-specific surveys.

Responsibilities

• Manage and provide technical expertise on wetland and Waters of the U.S. delineations, habitat assessments, and species-specific surveys.
• Lead preparation of local, state, and federal permitting documents and ensure quality standards.
• Oversee multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Prepare technical proposals, scopes, and cost estimates; support business development efforts.
• Collaborate with ERM practitioners on Impact Assessment and Permitting (IAP) projects.
• Supervise and mentor junior and mid-level staff to build technical and leadership capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of regional projects and staffing needs; assist in recruiting efforts.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across ERM’s regional and national teams.

Skills

Wetland delineations

Habitat assessments

Species-specific surveys

NEPA compliance

Regulatory permitting

Client relationship management

Project mentoring

Education

BS/MS in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences

Job description

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Permitting with ERM

Are you ready to shape the environmental landscape for some of the most impactful renewable energy projects in the U.S.? At ERM, we’re not just managing projects—we’re driving sustainable progress. As a Managing Consultant, Impact Assessment and Permitting, based in Atlanta, GA or Charlotte, NC, you’ll play a strategic role in guiding permitting processes for solar, wind, transmission, and other large-scale developments, ensuring compliance while influencing the future of clean energy infrastructure.

Why This Role Matters

This position is pivotal to ERM’s mission of delivering innovative environmental solutions for capital projects across the eastern U.S. Your expertise will help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and meet critical sustainability goals. You’ll be the trusted advisor who ensures projects move forward responsibly and efficiently.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead permitting and biological field assessments for renewable energy and transmission projects.
• Drive compliance with NEPA and state-level environmental reviews for large-scale developments.
• Build lasting client relationships and contribute to ERM’s growth in the southeastern market.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants, shaping the next generation of environmental leaders.

Required

What You’ll Bring

• BS/MS in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences. Or equivalent experience.
• 4-6 years of due diligence and permitting experience (7-10 years preferred).
• Proven expertise in wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and species-specific surveys.
• Strong knowledge of biological impact assessment and permitting practices.
• Experience with federal, state, and local permitting in GA, NC, SC, and VA.
• Excellent communication, writing, and client relationship skills.
• 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.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to Health & Safety protocols.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Solar project experience.
• Federally permitted bat biologist credentials.
• Established reputation and technical expertise in the local marketplace.
• Ability to influence and lead teams effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and provide technical expertise on wetland and Waters of the U.S. delineations, habitat assessments, and species-specific surveys.
• Lead preparation of local, state, and federal permitting documents and ensure quality standards.
• Oversee multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Prepare technical proposals, scopes, and cost estimates; support business development efforts.
• Collaborate with ERM practitioners on Impact Assessment and Permitting (IAP) projects.
• Supervise and mentor junior and mid-level staff to build technical and leadership capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of regional projects and staffing needs; assist in recruiting efforts.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across ERM’s regional and national teams.

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 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!