Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist

ERM; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM's Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist in the Mid-Atlantic region leads permitting and compliance for electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects, shaping the future of energy infrastructure with a global sustainability leader. You will manage complex regulatory frameworks, develop schedules and budgets, support client relationships, and collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments and siting.

Travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks (VA/Mid-Atlantic preferred).
• Permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia (required); West Virginia and Kentucky (preferred).
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 401/404), Endangered Species Act (Section 7), National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106).
• Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, VMRC permitting requirements.
• Strong technical writing, project management, and communication abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting tasks for capital development projects, including electric transmission lines and renewable energy initiatives.
• Prepare and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
• Participate in agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits (travel up to 20%).
• Collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting.
• Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and delivering exceptional technical solutions.

Skills

Regulatory permitting

Power sector experience

Project management

Technical writing

Client relations

Communication

Education

Env Sci degree

Job description

Lead the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Ready to take charge of transformative power sector projects? As ERM’s Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist in the Mid-Atlantic region, you’ll shape the future of energy infrastructure while advancing your career with a global sustainability leader.

Why This Role Matters

As energy systems evolve, the demand for expert guidance on permitting and compliance is critical. ERM is at the forefront of enabling sustainable growth in the power sector. Your leadership will ensure projects meet regulatory standards, protect natural resources, and deliver on time—helping clients achieve their goals while driving environmental stewardship.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead permitting and compliance for high-profile electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects.
• Influence strategic decisions by managing complex regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges.
• Build trusted client relationships and expand ERM’s footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Collaborate globally to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field. Or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks (VA/Mid-Atlantic preferred).
• Permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia (required); West Virginia and Kentucky (preferred).
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 401/404), Endangered Species Act (Section 7), National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106).
• Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, VMRC permitting requirements.
• Strong technical writing, project management, and communication abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred

• Experience reviewing Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage permitting tasks for capital development projects, including electric transmission lines and renewable energy initiatives.
• Prepare and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
• Participate in agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits (travel up to 20%).
• Collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting.
• Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and delivering exceptional technical solutions.

Join a global leader in sustainability consulting with a collaborative culture, cutting-edge projects, and opportunities for career growth. At ERM, your work matters—because together, we shape a cleaner, more resilient future.

For the Principal Consultant, Scientist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $110,000 – $161,000 (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.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!