Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor

ERM (Environmental Resources Management); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM in Houston, TX seeks a Principal Consultant to lead permitting and environmental impact assessments across traditional and renewable energy projects. You will guide siting, regulatory navigation, and client advisory, with a focus on delivering compliant, timely outcomes and driving growth for ERM’s energy portfolio.

You bring 10+ years in consulting or energy, strong leadership, and a track record of successful projects with USACE, FERC, BOEM, and USFWS permitting expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years in consulting or energy sector; 10+ years preferred.
• Experience managing projects and client relationships.
• Expertise in permitting (USACE, FERC, BOEM, USFWS).
• Strong communication and commercial acumen.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver's license.
• NEPA/ESHIA, renewables, and leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and environmental impact assessment efforts for capital energy projects across traditional and renewable energy sectors.
• Lead multi‑media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including oversight from agencies such as the USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted client relationships through technical excellence and strategic advisory support.
• Collaborate with ERM leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth and expand client partnerships.
• Contribute to go‑to‑market strategies and business development initiatives.
• Deliver high‑quality technical work products while ensuring regulatory compliance and project success.
• Support team development through coaching, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to ERM's inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Project management

Permitting expertise

Communication

Sales track record

Multi-tasking

Driver's license

Education

Environmental science/engineering degree

Job description

Lead the Future of Energy Development Across the Gulf Region

Are you a strategic environmental leader ready to influence the next generation of energy infrastructure projects? ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor to join our team in Houston, TX . In this highly visible leadership role, you will help clients navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges while advancing critical traditional, renewable, and low-carbon energy projects.

This is an opportunity to combine technical expertise, client leadership, and commercial growth in a role that directly shapes sustainable development outcomes and supports the future of the energy sector.

Why This Role Matters

As the energy sector continues to evolve, organizations are facing increasingly complex permitting, regulatory, and environmental requirements. ERM partners with leading energy clients to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that help move critical projects forward responsibly and efficiently.

As a Principal Consultant, you will play a key role in guiding major energy developments from concept to execution, helping clients navigate regulatory landscapes, reduce project risk, and achieve successful environmental outcomes. Your expertise will directly contribute to the delivery of transformative infrastructure projects while supporting ERM's continued growth and leadership in the energy market. This role also offers a clear pathway toward future leadership opportunities, including Partner and Technical Director career tracks.

What Your Impact Is

• Strategic Leadership: Guide clients through siting, permitting, and environmental impact assessments for major energy projects.
• Client Growth: Expand ERM's footprint by leveraging your industry relationships and commercial acumen.
• Project Excellence: Deliver high-quality, compliant, and timely outcomes across diverse energy portfolios, from pipelines to offshore wind developments.
• Team Development: Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams while fostering collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
• Sustainable Outcomes: Support the responsible development of traditional, renewable, and low-carbon energy infrastructure projects that create long‑term value for clients and communities.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of consulting or energy sector experience (10+ years preferred).
• Proven success in project management and client relationship development.
• Expertise in local, state, and federal permitting (e.g., USACE, FERC, BOEM, USFWS).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in both technical and commercial settings.
• Business acumen and a demonstrated track record of delivering annual sales.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while leading teams and project delivery efforts effectively.
• 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

• NEPA and ESHIA experience.
• Established reputation and professional network within the Gulf Coast energy market.
• Experience supporting low‑carbon and renewable energy projects.
• Previous line management and/or mentorship experience.
• Interest in pursuing future Partner or Technical Director career opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and environmental impact assessment efforts for capital energy projects across traditional and renewable energy sectors.
• Lead multi‑media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including oversight from agencies such as the USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted client relationships through technical excellence and strategic advisory support.
• Collaborate with ERM leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth and expand client partnerships.
• Contribute to go‑to‑market strategies and business development initiatives.
• Deliver high‑quality technical work products while ensuring regulatory compliance and project success.
• Support team development through coaching, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to ERM's inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture.

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!

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