Managing Consultant, Scientist/Project Manager

ERM; Bucyrus (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM seeks a Managing Consultant, Scientist/Project Manager in Overland Park, KS to lead environmental permitting for renewable energy and major infrastructure projects, guiding clients through ESA processes and permitting strategies.

You will manage field surveys, prepare regulatory documents, coordinate with agencies, mentor staff, and contribute to business development in a global sustainability consultancy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences (Master’s preferred)
• 4+ years (10+ years preferred) of experience in environmental permitting and/or due diligence
• Deep knowledge of biological field assessments and permitting practices (wetlands, protected species)
• Experience with ESA Section 7 & 10 processes, Habitat Conservation Plans, Incidental Take Permits

Responsibilities

• Lead biological field surveys, habitat assessments, and species-specific studies
• Oversee preparation of local, state, and federal permitting documents
• Manage multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule
• Develop technical proposals, scopes, and cost estimates; support business development
• Collaborate with ERM teams on Impact Assessment and Permitting projects, including NEPA compliance
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, fostering technical growth and team cohesion
• Stay informed on regional projects and staffing needs; contribute to recruiting
• Build strong relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders

Skills

Biology

Ecology

Environmental permitting

Regulatory strategy

Leadership

Client relationship management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Ready to lead transformative projects at the intersection of science, strategy, and sustainability? Step into a leadership role where your expertise shapes the future of energy and infrastructure.

At ERM, we’re seeking a Managing Consultant, Scientist/Project Manager based in Overland Park, Kansas to drive complex environmental permitting efforts for renewable energy and major infrastructure projects. This is more than a technical role—it’s an opportunity to influence how critical projects are delivered across the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond. You’ll partner with clients as a trusted advisor, guiding them through regulatory complexity while advancing responsible, sustainable development.

Why This Role Matters

ERM is at the forefront of shaping sustainable development—and this role is central to that mission. As a senior leader, you will guide projects that directly impact how energy and infrastructure evolve in a rapidly changing world. Your work will help balance environmental stewardship with progress, ensuring projects move forward responsibly and effectively.

What Your Impact Is

• Act as a senior technical leader and trusted advisor on large-scale permitting and due diligence projects
• Guide clients through complex environmental regulations while protecting sensitive ecosystems
• Lead biological field surveys and develop permitting strategies that enable sustainable project delivery
• Support the advancement of renewable energy and critical infrastructure through sound scientific and regulatory expertise

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience
• 4+ years (10+ years preferred) of experience in environmental permitting and/or due diligence, ideally in consulting for private‑sector clients
• Deep technical knowledge of biological field assessments and permitting practices, including wetland delineations and protected species assessments
• Proven experience with ESA Section 7 & 10 processes, including Habitat Conservation Plans and Incidental Take Permits
• Strong leadership, team‑building, and client relationship skills
• Excellent communication, writing, and strategic thinking abilities
• 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
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship

Preferred

• Experience with renewable energy projects (wind, solar, transmission)
• Familiarity with permitting in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, or Oklahoma
• Recognized technical expertise and established reputation in the regional marketplace

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage biological field surveys, habitat assessments, and species‑specific studies
• Oversee preparation of local, state, and federal permitting documents, ensuring quality and compliance
• Manage multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule expectations
• Develop technical proposals, scopes, and cost estimates; support business development and client retention
• Collaborate with ERM teams on Impact Assessment and Permitting projects, including NEPA compliance and risk assessments
• Mentor junior and mid‑level staff, fostering technical growth and team cohesion
• Stay informed on regional projects and staffing needs; contribute to recruiting efforts
• Build strong relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to maintain ERM’s reputation for excellence

If you're ready to lead with purpose, influence impactful projects, and grow your career in a collaborative, global consulting environment—this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.

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 does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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!