Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager

ERM; Mobile (AL); Remote; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager to lead major natural gas pipeline, LNG, and gas storage projects across the United States. You will guide regulatory strategies, manage permitting, and ensure on-time, compliant delivery.

Based in a flexible U.S. location, you will mentor multidisciplinary teams, represent ERM in industry forums, and help grow our capital project delivery practice while supporting the energy transition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience managing FERC-regulated projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and compliance efforts for FERC-regulated projects.
• Manage multi-site projects with scope, schedule, budget and quality.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Develop technical proposals and pursue new business opportunities.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Client relationship

Environmental permitting

NEPA knowledge

Regulatory affairs

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies/Planning/Engineering/Geology

Job description

Lead the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Are you ready to shape the future of energy development while leading some of the most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects in North America? ERM is seeking an experienced Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager to join our team. Based in a flexible U.S. location, this role offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor on major natural gas pipeline, LNG, and gas storage projects, guiding clients through evolving regulatory requirements and helping deliver critical infrastructure that supports the energy transition. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving complex challenges, and are passionate about driving strategic outcomes, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while growing your career with a global sustainability leader.

Why This Role Matters

Natural gas and LNG infrastructure is at a pivotal moment. As a Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for major energy projects that are often fast-paced, multi-faceted, and geographically diverse. In this role, you'll help clients successfully navigate complex regulatory processes, environmental permitting requirements, and stakeholder expectations while ensuring projects move forward efficiently and responsibly.

Success in this position requires the ability to balance competing priorities, deliver high-quality project outcomes on schedule and within budget, and bring initiative, critical thinking, and creativity to every challenge. This is an exceptional opportunity for an environmental professional looking to expand their influence, lead impactful projects, and support the continued growth of ERM’s natural gas pipeline, LNG, and gas storage capital project delivery practice.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead permitting and compliance efforts for Natural Gas Act-regulated projects across the United States.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, guiding projects from early planning and development through construction and operations.
• Represent ERM in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and professional engagements that shape industry best practices.
• Strengthen ERM’s market leadership in natural gas pipeline, LNG, and gas storage development.
• Drive business growth through client relationship development, strategic positioning, and innovative project delivery.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to multidisciplinary project teams while fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Planning, Engineering, Geology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Prior consulting experience and demonstrated expertise managing FERC-regulated projects.
• 6+ years (10+ years preferred) of experience in environmental impact assessment and permitting for FERC-regulated projects.
• At least 5 years of experience managing large-scale natural gas and LNG permitting projects.
• Strong knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and key natural resource regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-site projects while achieving scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage clients, regulators, agencies, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to develop innovative approaches, resolve issues, and drive successful project outcomes.
• 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.

Preferred

• Established relationships with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client account growth.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations and project phases.
• Experience supporting major capital infrastructure projects within the natural gas, LNG, and energy sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage large, multi-faceted projects, ensuring scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations are achieved.
• Serve as the primary client contact and lead interdisciplinary teams through environmental permitting, compliance, and regulatory approval processes.
• Direct preparation and management of FERC applications and coordinate project activities with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Provide strategic guidance on environmental planning, permitting pathways, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop technical proposals, identify new business opportunities, and maintain strong, long-term client relationships.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control for technical reports, environmental analyses, and permit application packages.
• Coordinate with internal technical specialists and external stakeholders to support efficient project execution and successful client outcomes.
• Monitor project performance, manage risks, and develop solutions to keep projects progressing effectively.
• Contribute to ERM’s growth strategy by supporting thought leadership, industry engagement, and market development initiatives.

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!