Senior Land Use & Permitting Leader for Clean Energy

ERM; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Land Use Planner to lead land use planning and permitting for renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest, based in Portland or Seattle. You will guide permitting strategies, coordinate with agencies, and manage complex regulatory reviews across Oregon and Washington.

The role requires 6+ years in permitting/land use planning, strong writing and client management, and a valid driver’s license for frequent travel to client sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resources, Public Policy, or related field, or 12 years of equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience supporting permitting and land use planning for renewable energy, transmission, infrastructure, or related projects.
• Experience preparing land use permit applications and supporting local government approval processes.
• Experience conducting zoning analyses and code compliance evaluations for local/state regulations.
• Familiarity with Oregon land use planning requirements and Washington SEPA/permits processes.
• Excellent writing, communication, and client management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead permit strategies and entitlement pathways for utility-scale energy projects in Oregon and Washington.
• Prepare county and municipal land use permit applications and associated documents.
• Coordinate with state agencies, counties, and municipalities to support compliance.
• Conduct zoning and due diligence assessments; interpret codes and plans.
• Develop findings of fact and permit narratives; support EFSC/EFSEC processes.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure quality in permitting deliverables.

Skills

Land use planning

Permitting

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Client management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resources, Public Policy (or 12 years of equivalent experience)

Job description

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Land Use Planner to lead land use planning and permitting for renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest, based in Portland or Seattle. You will guide permitting strategies, coordinate with agencies, and manage complex regulatory reviews across Oregon and Washington.

The role requires 6+ years in permitting/land use planning, strong writing and client management, and a valid driver’s license for frequent travel to client sites.