Consultant, Renewables Scientist​/Mid-Level

ERM is seeking a mid-level Consultant, Renewables Scientist in Irvine, CA. The role involves supporting local permitting and land use processes, conducting research, coordinating with jurisdictions, and developing permit applications for various projects in renewable energy and infrastructure. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 2 years of experience. The position is primarily office-based with some travel required.
Position: Consultant, Renewables Scientist (Mid-Level)

ERM is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Consultant, Renewables Scientist to join our growing team in Irvine, CA.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting local permitting and land use processes, including but not limited to, conducting research to define permitting requirements, coordinating with local jurisdictions during permitting processes, developing permitting plans and schedules, coordinating and participating in public meetings and hearings, and developing or coordinating permit applications and required components, such as Site Plan and Comprehensive Plan consistency reviews, to support a variety of land development and infrastructure projects.

In this role, you will work closely with ERM Project Managers and Partners on a variety of environmental permitting, due diligence, and impact assessment projects to support our renewable energy, oil and gas, power, and technology sector clients. You will also participate in teams conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, state-level equivalent reviews, and environmental permitting for large-scale capital projects in the western states and beyond.

This is largely an office-based role with some travel required based on client and/or project needs and expectations. This is an excellent opportunity for an entry- to mid-level professional looking to advance their career with ERM’s experienced consulting teams in environmental permitting, with additional opportunities to contribute to solar, battery storage, wind, electrical transmission, and technology infrastructure projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide technical expertise on local land use permitting, NEPA environmental assessment (EA) and environmental impact statement (EIS) projects and related activities in support of ERM clients’ capital development projects (i.e., renewable energy projects, oil and gas, power generation, electrical transmission, and mining).
• Support Project Managers in the preparation of local, state, and federal permitting documents. Contribute to preparing local permitting deliverables, serving in roles ranging from lead technical expert to quality review.
• Perform project delivery activities such as report writing, data collection and analysis, and developing strategies and recommendations for clients.
• Support ERM Project Managers with multiple projects within client’s scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards are met on project deliverables. Develop a basic understanding of project management responsibilities.
• Collaborate with ERM colleagues to execute services including environmental impact assessment, land use planning, facility siting & permitting, and risk assessment
• Participate in field reviews, public meetings, regulatory hearings, and similar project meetings, on an as-needed basis.
• Support ERM Partners-in-Charge and Project Managers to deliver exceptional client value on projects.
• Work as an integral part of the CPD team and support the goals of the team.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelors in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture, geography, civil or environmental engineering, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Technical competence and broad knowledge of local land use planning best practices, with a solid grasp of the key impact assessment and management issues for land development and infrastructure projects (e.g., future land use, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, natural resources, protected species, and visual impact assessment).
• Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills.
• Ability to engage in multifaceted and dynamic situations and to collaborate with a team of experts to support work through the lifecycle of a project.
• Ability to multi-task, maintain flexibility, travel (up to 25%, or as needed, to meet client and project expectations), and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated attributes to become a strong consultant: team player, eagerness to learn and grow, self-starter who takes initiative, versatile, and service-oriented mentality.
• Profi…