Senior Environmental Permitting & Planning Consultant

Environmental Resources Management (ERM); Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 95,682 - 124,245; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) in Northern California seeks a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning Specialist to lead compliance programs for energy projects. You’ll guide CEQA, Clean Water Act, and wildlife protections from planning through construction, ensuring safety and regulatory alignment.

You will manage multi‑project workloads, mentor staff, and collaborate with regulators and clients to deliver practical, defensible permitting solutions that protect

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering, biology/ecology, planning, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in compliance management, impact assessment, and environmental permitting (consulting experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and related regulations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, including technical report writing.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental compliance during construction, ensuring adherence to CEQA, Biological Opinions, Clean Water Act permits, Section 106 consultations, and other regulatory requirements.
• Interpret and implement mitigation measures; proactively resolve compliance issues.
• Coordinate field staff, including Environmental Inspectors, Biologists, Cultural Resource Specialists, and Water Quality Specialists.
• Provide technical consulting for permitting and compliance on power generation, transmission, and renewable energy projects.
• Support large compliance programs through data management and communication.
• Prepare impact assessment deliverables, including reports, data analysis, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with ERM teams across offices on environmental impact assessments, facility siting, risk assessment, and water resource management.
• Ensure all work meets ERM’s quality, budget, and schedule standards.
• Engage directly with clients and subject matter experts to deliver strategic compliance solutions.

Skills

Compliance management

Impact assessment

Environmental permitting

CEQA

Clean Water Act

Endangered Species Act

Communication skills

Technical report writing

Education

BSc/ MSc in env science

Job description

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) in Northern California seeks a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning Specialist to lead compliance programs for energy projects. You’ll guide CEQA, Clean Water Act, and wildlife protections from planning through construction, ensuring safety and regulatory alignment.

You will manage multi‑project workloads, mentor staff, and collaborate with regulators and clients to deliver practical, defensible permitting solutions that protect