Senior Environmental Permitting & Planning Lead

ERM; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 92,500 - 124,245; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning Specialist for Northern California to lead compliance efforts on energy projects from planning through construction, ensuring CEQA, Clean Water Act, and ESA compliance across multiple sites.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in environmental science/engineering, biology/ecology, planning or related field, 6+ years in compliance and permitting, strong regulatory knowledge, and travel with a valid driver’s license.

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.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

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 knowledge

Project management

Technical report writing

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering, biology/ecology, planning, or related field

Job description

ERM is seeking a Managing Consultant, Environmental Permitting & Planning Specialist for Northern California to lead compliance efforts on energy projects from planning through construction, ensuring CEQA, Clean Water Act, and ESA compliance across multiple sites.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in environmental science/engineering, biology/ecology, planning or related field, 6+ years in compliance and permitting, strong regulatory knowledge, and travel with a valid driver’s license.