Senior Renewable Energy Land Use & Permitting Lead

ERM; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Health benefits

401(k)

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy Land Use Planner in Portland, OR or Seattle, WA to lead permitting, environmental review, and land use planning for utility-scale renewable energy and infrastructure projects in the Pacific Northwest.

You will guide complex permitting processes, prepare regulatory applications, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Oregon and Washington, ensuring compliance and timely project delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting permitting and land use planning for renewable energy, transmission, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated ability preparing land use permit applications and supporting local government approvals.
• Experience with zoning analyses, code consistency evaluations, and findings of compliance.
• Familiarity with Oregon land use planning requirements and state planning goals.
• Familiarity with Washington land use regulations, SEPA, and local permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of permit strategies and entitlement pathways for utility-scale solar, BESS, wind, and transmission projects.
• Prepare county and municipal land use permit applications, including Conditional Use Permits and EFSC/EFSEC.
• Coordinate with state agencies, counties, municipalities, and districts to support permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct zoning and land use due diligence for project sites and interpret local codes.
• Develop findings of fact and permit narratives to support approvals; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication

Client management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resources, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy Land Use Planner in Portland, OR or Seattle, WA to lead permitting, environmental review, and land use planning for utility-scale renewable energy and infrastructure projects in the Pacific Northwest.

You will guide complex permitting processes, prepare regulatory applications, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Oregon and Washington, ensuring compliance and timely project delivery.