Principal Consultant, Scientist

ERM; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant in Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessment to shape energy infrastructure—traditional and renewable—across the Gulf region, including Houston. You will lead siting, permitting, and impact assessments, directing multi-disciplinary teams and maintaining strong client relationships to deliver compliant, timely results.

With 6+ years in consulting or energy, you will drive project management, navigate regulatory landscapes, and grow ERM’s business while

Qualifications

• 6+ years of consulting or energy sector experience (10+ preferred)
• Proven success in project management and client relationship development
• Strong communication skills—technical and commercial
• Business acumen and a track record of delivering annual sales
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams effectively

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and impact assessment for capital energy projects (traditional and renewable)
• Lead multi-media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with regulations from agencies like USACE, USFWS, FERC, BOEM
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships
• Collaborate with ERM’s leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies and business development efforts
• Deliver high-quality technical work and ensure regulatory compliance
• Support team development and contribute to ERM’s inclusive, high-performance culture

Skills

Project management

Client relationship development

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science/Engineering

Job description

Lead the Future of Energy Development

Are you a strategic thinker with deep expertise in environmental permitting and impact assessment? Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where your leadership drives real change?

ERM is seeking a seasoned Principal Consultant, Environmental Permitting and Impact Assessor to shape the future of energy infrastructure—traditional and renewable—across the Gulf region.

Why This Role Matters

As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, ERM is at the forefront—partnering with global clients to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions. This role is pivotal in helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes, accelerate project timelines, and ensure environmental integrity across capital developments. You’ll be a key player in ERM’s mission to build a more sustainable future, while advancing your own career toward Partner or Technical Director pathways.

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.
• Team Development: Mentor and lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Required

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field. Or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of consulting or energy sector experience (10+ 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—technical and commercial
• Business acumen and a track record of delivering annual sales
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams effectively

Preferred

• NEPA and ESHIA experience
• Established reputation and network in the Gulf Coast energy market
• Experience with low-carbon and renewable energy projects
• Line management or mentorship experience
• Desire to grow into Partner or Technical Director roles

Key Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and impact assessment for capital energy projects (traditional and renewable)
• Lead multi-media permitting for capital projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations—including oversight from agencies like the USACE, USFWS, FERC, and BOEM.
• Serve as Project Manager on complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships
• Collaborate with ERM’s leadership and account teams to drive commercial growth
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies and business development efforts
• Deliver high-quality technical work and ensure regulatory compliance
• Support team development and contribute to ERM’s inclusive, 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 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.