Principal Technical Consultant, Engineering

Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks, particularly in VA/Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Required permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia; West Virginia and Kentucky preferred.
  • Knowledge of Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, VMRC permitting requirements.
  • Strong project management, technical writing, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

  • Lead permitting and compliance tasks for electric transmission and renewable energy projects.
  • Prepare and submit permit applications to various authorities.
  • Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
  • Attend agency consultations, client meetings, and conduct site visits (up to 20% travel).
  • Collaborate with ERM experts for impact assessments and facility siting studies.
  • Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and technical solutions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off and parental leave.
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options.
  • 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP plans for retirement savings.
  • Access to a collaborative culture and innovative projects.
  • Opportunities for career growth within a global sustainability leader.
Full Job Description

Lead the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Ready to take charge of transformative power sector projects? As ERM’s Principal Consultant, Scientist in the Mid-Atlantic region, you’ll shape the future of energy infrastructure while advancing your career with a global sustainability leader.

Why This Role Matters

As energy systems evolve, the demand for expert guidance on permitting and compliance is critical. ERM is at the forefront of enabling sustainable growth in the power sector. Your leadership will ensure projects meet regulatory standards, protect natural resources, and deliver on time—helping clients achieve their goals while driving environmental stewardship.

What Your Impact Is
  • Lead permitting and compliance for high-profile electric transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects.
  • Influence strategic decisions by managing complex regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges.
  • Build trusted client relationships and expand ERM’s footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Collaborate globally to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions.

What You'll Bring
Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field. Or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years in consulting or industry, focused on power sector projects under federal and state regulatory frameworks (VA/Mid-Atlantic preferred).
  • Permitting experience for transmission line projects in Virginia (required); West Virginia and Kentucky (preferred).
  • Knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 401/404), Endangered Species Act (Section 7), National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106).
  • Familiarity with USACE Norfolk District, VDEQ, VMRC permitting requirements.
  • Strong technical writing, project management, and communication abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred

  • Experience reviewing Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage permitting tasks for capital development projects, including electric transmission lines and renewable energy initiatives.
  • Prepare and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities.
  • Develop project schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
  • Participate in agency consultations, client meetings, and site visits (travel up to 20%).
  • Collaborate with ERM experts on impact assessments, routing studies, and facility siting.
  • Drive business development by leveraging client relationships and delivering exceptional technical solutions.


Join a global leader in sustainability consulting with a collaborative culture, cutting-edge projects, and opportunities for career growth. At ERM, your work matters—because together, we shape a cleaner, more resilient future.

For the Principal Consultant, Scientistposition, the anticipated annual base pay is $112,000 – $163,088 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. 

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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About The ERM International Group Limited

The ERM International Group Limited Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join the dynamic team at The ERM International Group Limited—the forefront of innovation and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Experience

Join The ERM International Group Limited's top-tier team to assist some of the most prestigious companies in navigating their paths through digital and environmental challenges. Transform enterprises and sectors with the brightest minds at The ERM International Group Limited, where technology meets sustainable development. This is where leadership, expertise, and digital innovation converge. Lead from a unique position in the marketplace, harnessing industry expertise to drive significant environmental solutions. Engage with a global team of business and environmental advisors to help clients advance their sustainability agendas. Collaborate with a dedicated group of professionals, committed to making a substantial impact on the planet and in the corporate world.

Innovative Work at The ERM International Group Limited

The team is dedicated to building a leading advisory group to guide some of the world’s most renowned companies through their sustainability transformations.

Drive Innovation

Be part of the largest network of environmental and sustainability experts—professionals dedicated at the intersection of technology, industry knowledge, and ecological innovation.

Be Part of a Great Team

Work on a wide range of projects utilizing cutting-edge technology and leverage the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development of a robust team.

Future-proof Your Career

Advance as far as your ambition can take you with boundless opportunities to grow your career supported by unmatched training, development, and certification support.

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The ERM International Group Limited’s Commitment to Diversity and Growth

The combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients tackle environmental challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide turn to The ERM International Group Limited for new strategies and solutions to drive sustainability and growth in the new era.

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