Managing Consultant, Scientist

ERM; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 93,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Managing Consultant, Scientist in Rolling Meadows, IL to lead biological and ecological efforts on energy projects, including renewable energy and electric transmission. You will oversee environmental impact assessments, permitting, compliance, and ecological field studies, collaborating with Project Managers and clients to deliver high-quality outcomes.

With a required 4–6 years in related consulting, you will apply expertise to navigate regulatory requirements and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, environmental studies, planning, or related natural resources science or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years of consulting or applicable experience with capital project development, especially with impact assessment from a biological perspective.
• Experience with federal, state, and local permitting is required.
• Working knowledge of key regulations, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, and Endangered Species Act.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project teams and delivery.
• Proven client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior biological leadership on environmental impact assessments for energy and sustainability-related projects.
• Prepare plans, permits, and reports for wetlands and threatened and endangered species consultations and surveys for renewable energy and associated electric transmission projects.
• Perform environmental compliance assessments and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Conduct field work, including ecological field studies.
• Provide general environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance, as needed.
• Compile and evaluate data and assist in report preparation.
• Perform project tasks within scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards on project deliverables.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship skills

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Data management

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in biology/environmental science

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Shape a more sustainable energy future by bringing your biological and ecological expertise to projects that matter. ERM is seeking a motivated Managing Consultant, Scientist to join our global consulting firm in Rolling Meadows, IL. In this role, you will have a meaningful impact on energy projects, including renewable energy and electric transmission, by applying your biological expertise to environmental impact assessments, permitting, compliance, and ecological field studies. You will work closely with Project Managers while gaining experience across sectors, clients, geographies, and services, helping you build an individualized career path at ERM.

Why This Role Matters?

As a Managing Consultant at ERM, you will provide biological and ecological expertise that helps clients navigate complex environmental requirements and advance energy infrastructure responsibly. ERM’s collaborative culture promotes knowledge sharing, best practices, and ongoing learning opportunities while giving you exposure to a variety of projects and clients.

What Your Impact Is:

You will provide senior biological leadership on environmental impact assessments and support the planning, permitting, compliance, and delivery of power, oil and gas, renewable energy, electric transmission, and sustainability-related projects. You will collaborate with Project Managers, Partners-in-Charge, clients, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders to support high-quality project outcomes.

What You’ll Bring:

• Required Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, environmental studies, planning, or related natural resources science or natural history field of study, or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years of consulting or applicable experience with capital project development, especially with impact assessment from a biological perspective.
• Experience with federal, state, and local permitting is required.
• Working knowledge of key regulations, including National Environment Policy Act, Section404 of the Clean Water Act, Section10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, and Section7 of the Endangered Species Act.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project teams and delivery.
• Proven client relationship skills.
• Keen attention to detail, data management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to assess risk, anticipate issues, and make tactical and strategic decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including being comfortable and effective at communicating complex technical knowledge and concepts to other staff, clients, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide senior biological related leadership on environmental impact assessments for power, oil and gas and renewable energy and sustainability-related projects.
• Prepare plans, permits, and reports for wetlands and threatened and endangered species consultations and surveys for renewable energy and associated electric transmission projects.
• Perform environmental compliance assessments and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct field work, including ecological field studies.
• Provide general environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance, as needed.
• Compile and evaluate data and assist in report preparation.
• Perform project tasks within scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards on project deliverables.
• Support ERM Partners-in-Charge and Project Managers to deliver exceptional client value on projects.

For the Managing Consultant, Scientist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $92,500–$124,300 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business