Principal Environmental Permitting & Impact Lead (Gulf)

ERM; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

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. Lead permitting and impact assessments, manage complex projects, and mentor teams to deliver compliant outcomes.

You will partner with clients to navigate regulatory landscapes (USACE, FERC, BOEM, USFWS), drive business growth, and develop go-to-market strategies.

Qualifications

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

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

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Client relationship development

Environmental permitting

Communication skills

Business acumen

Education

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

Job description

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. Lead permitting and impact assessments, manage complex projects, and mentor teams to deliver compliant outcomes.

You will partner with clients to navigate regulatory landscapes (USACE, FERC, BOEM, USFWS), drive business growth, and develop go-to-market strategies.