Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager

ERM; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager, to lead large-scale FERC-regulated energy projects nationwide from concept through operations. You will guide permitting, compliance, policy influence, and client relations while expanding ERM’s leadership in natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, renewables and carbon sequestration.

The role requires prior consulting and FERC experience, plus a track record managing complex multi-site projects, with a strong focus on NEPA and related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Planning, Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• Prior consulting experience and FERC project expertise essential.
• 6+ years in environmental impact assessment and permitting for FERC-regulated projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage large, multi-faceted projects with scope, budget, and timelines.
• Act as primary client contact and lead interdisciplinary teams through permitting and compliance phases.
• Oversee FERC applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Develop technical proposals, identify new opportunities, and maintain strong client relationships.
• Represent ERM in strategic regulatory meetings and industry forums.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Client management

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies or related field

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Lead the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Are you ready to influence the next era of energy development? At ERM, we’re looking for a seasoned leader who thrives on complexity, drives strategic outcomes, and shapes industry standards. This is more than project management—it’s about guiding clients through the most challenging regulatory landscapes and leaving a lasting impact on the energy transition.

Why This Role Matters

Energy infrastructure is at a turning point. As a Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager, you’ll be the trusted advisor for major natural gas, LNG, and emerging energy projects—helping clients achieve compliance, sustainability, and success in a rapidly evolving market. Your expertise will directly influence policy, permitting, and the future of clean energy solutions. THIS POSITION REQUIRES PRIOR CONSULTING EXPERIENCE AND FERC EXPERIENCE.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead permitting and compliance for Natural Gas Act-regulated projects nationwide.
• Serve as a strategic partner to clients, guiding projects from concept through operations.
• Represent ERM in industry forums and regulatory discussions, shaping policy and best practices.
• Expand ERM’s leadership in natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, renewables, and carbon sequestration.
• Drive business growth through client development and innovative project delivery.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Environmental Studies, Planning, Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• Prior consulting experience and FERC project expertise essential.
• 6+ years (10 preferred) in environmental impact assessment and permitting for FERC-regulated projects.
• At least 5 years managing large-scale natural gas and LNG permitting projects.
• Deep knowledge of NEPA and key natural resource regulations (Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, NHPA, ESA).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-site projects on time and within budget.
• Exceptional communication skills for engaging clients, agencies, and stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with hydrogen, renewables, and carbon sequestration projects.
• Established industry network and demonstrated business development success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage large, multi-faceted projects, ensuring scope, budget, and timelines are met.
• Act as primary client contact and lead interdisciplinary teams through permitting and compliance phases.
• Oversee FERC applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Develop technical proposals, identify new opportunities, and maintain strong client relationships.
• Represent ERM in strategic regulatory meetings and industry forums.
• Ensure quality control across environmental impact assessments and compliance deliverables.

Note

Bonus, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

For the Principal Consultant, Environmental FERC Project Manager position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,380 - $168,286(USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

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.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!