Senior Environmental Permitting Lead for Energy Projects

ERM; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM seeks a Managing Consultant, Scientist (Environmental Permitting) to lead permitting strategies for energy and infrastructure projects across the United States. The role emphasizes regulatory navigation, NEPA work, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring teams and expanding ERM's permitting capabilities.

The candidate will manage project delivery, client relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration to advance renewable energy, natural gas, and data center initiatives in a fast‑paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, environmental management, wetland science, planning, geography, or related field.
• 4+ years (8 years preferred) of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including strong project experience in natural gas or renewable energy.
• Experience preparing NEPA-type documents for federal and/or state agencies and providing strategic-level Capital Project Delivery support.
• Experience with federal, state, and local permitting, particularly with the preparation of applications and documents related to the development of energy projects.
• Experience assisting clients in obtaining permits and approvals for new or expanded facilities.
• Experience overseeing and coordinating desktop and online studies or research on natural resource or resource planning topics, GIS, and map interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to research and prepare concise and accurate technical documents, including presentation of findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and analytical skills, with experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports.
• Ability to multi-task, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members; strong people skills and collaborative in fast-paced environments.
• Driver’s License Required: frequent travel to client locations.
• Strong commitment to safety.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategies for major energy and technology infrastructure projects across the United States.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients navigating federal, state, and local permitting requirements.
• Support the development of renewable energy, natural gas, data center, and other critical infrastructure projects that contribute to economic growth and the low‑carbon transition.
• Drive project execution, client satisfaction, and business growth while mentoring and developing team members.
• Collaborate with ERM's global technical community to deliver innovative, high‑quality solutions and share industry best practices.
• Contribute to the continued expansion of ERM's impact assessment, permitting, and capital project delivery services.
• Manage and perform multi‑media permitting and compliance activities for data centers, natural gas, solar and wind projects.
• Oversee project delivery activities such as report writing, data collection, literature review, and recommendations for clients.
• Prepare technical proposals and participate in business development activities to grow ERM's renewable energy projects and team.

Skills

Project management

Licensing & permitting

NEPA documents

Regulatory strategy

Stakeholder engagement

GIS

Technical writing

Client relationship management

Travel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

ERM seeks a Managing Consultant, Scientist (Environmental Permitting) to lead permitting strategies for energy and infrastructure projects across the United States. The role emphasizes regulatory navigation, NEPA work, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring teams and expanding ERM's permitting capabilities.

The candidate will manage project delivery, client relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration to advance renewable energy, natural gas, and data center initiatives in a fast‑paced