Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy and Power

The ERM International Group Limited is hiring a Principal Consultant for Renewable Energy and Power in Rolling Meadows, IL. The role involves leading environmental impact assessments and permitting for renewable energy facilities, particularly solar and energy transmission projects. Candidates should have significant experience in permitting complex projects and managing NEPA reviews. Responsibilities include overseeing permit preparation, engaging in business development, and managing project budgets and timelines.
ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy and Power to oversee Impact Assessment, Planning, and Permitting for renewable energy facilities. This pivotal role involves leading environmental impact assessments and permitting processes for various power facilities and major capital development projects, including solar developments and energy transmission projects.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in permitting complex projects within the power and technology sectors. Candidates should possess technical expertise in managing environmental, local, state-level, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for large-scale capital initiatives.

We prefer candidates with experience developing permits and strategies for renewable projects, especially in support of local land use permitting processes. This includes securing Conditional or Special Use Permits, identifying municipal and county requirements, analyzing variance potentials, and collaborating with developers to optimize project layouts based on local regulations.

This position focuses on environmental impact assessments and facilitating the permitting processes necessary for the development, construction, and operation of commercial-scale energy facilities, thereby supporting the U.S.'s transition to a low-carbon economy. Our portfolio consists of fast-paced, multifaceted, and geographically diverse projects. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to manage various priorities and tasks while fostering a collaborational team environment to meet concurrent deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead complex permitting and compliance initiatives associated with renewable energy projects, emphasizing local, state, and federal regulations, including NEPA and guidelines from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed permitting documents for the development, expansion, maintenance, or decommissioning of energy/industrial facilities with a strong focus on local permitting.
• Guide the production of discipline-specific reports and NEPA documents that align with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise on permitting strategies, due diligence reviews, and quality control on impact assessment deliverables.
• Engage in business development, preparing technical proposals, and building relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Manage projects within predefined budgets and timelines, ensuring scope-specific assignments are met.
• Collaborate with ERM practitioners to deliver impact assessments and enable capital project permitting.
• Enhance ERM's market presence and profile by deepening client relationships and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental studies, environmental management, or related field; or 8+ years of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 8 years in project management, licensing, and permitting, with a focus on power.
• Experience with all levels of permitting for renewable projects.
• Proven track record in securing multi-media permits and approvals for new or expanded facilities.
• Expertise in conducting studies and research on natural resources and resource planning, including map interpretation.
• Strong abilities to prepare concise technical documents and present findings effectively.
• Excellent written communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in multitasking, flexibility, and independent work with minimal oversight.
• Ability to mentor and develop team members with strong interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed (up to 25%).

About Us:

As the largest global sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with leading organizations to create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges while unlocking commercial opportunities.

At ERM, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential components of our company culture. Our dedicated team of experts collaborates across various domains to provide strategic and technical solutions that advance sustainability initiatives.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter. ERM does not accept resumes from recruiting agencies and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Thank you for considering a career with ERM!