Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist

Overview

Lead CEQA/NEPA permitting and regulatory strategy for power and renewable projects in California.

Key Responsibilities

• compliance management
• ceqa/nepa
• permit strategy
• regulatory negotiation
• team mentoring
• client relationships

Tasks

-Mentor staff consultants, identify emerging talent, and support career development. -Manage compliance for linear infrastructure projects, including telecom and energy. -Mentor and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. -Serve as a senior technical expert for CEQA/NEPA assessments and natural resource permitting. -Drive business growth through strategic client relationships, leveraging existing contracts with PG&E, SCE, and Sempra. -Oversee preparation of EIRs, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and technical studies. -Lead environmental permitting and CEQA/NEPA efforts for major capital projects, including renewable energy, transmission, and data centers. -Lead permit strategy development and application processes with state and federal agencies. -Shape regulatory strategies and negotiate with key agencies such as the California Coastal Commission, USFWS, and CPUC. -Ensure excellence in health & safety, financial performance, client satisfaction, and risk management. -Collaborate with Account Directors to expand ERM’s footprint and deliver enterprise-wide solutions.

Requirements

• master’s
• 15+ years
• business acumen
• leadership
• cpuc 131-e
• ceqa

What You Bring

-Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field. Or equivalent experience. -15+ years of consulting experience. -Business acumen and strategic selling capabilities. -Leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and team development. -8+ years of consulting experience in California’s electric/gas transmission and generation markets. -Recognized technical expertise and positive reputation with key regulators. -Experience with CPUC General Order 131-E and CEQA best practices. -Established relationships with California utility companies—particularly PG&E, SCE, and Sempra—with the ability to leverage existing contract agreements to unlock new project opportunities. -Innovate within ERM’s Impact Assessment and Planning services to stay ahead of market needs. -Proven success in leading CEQA/NEPA permitting and environmental impact assessments. -Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field.

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Benefits

-Contribute to ERM’s global leadership community, with potential eligibility for our Partner Path after your first year.

About Erm

-Flourished through merging UK and US consultancies, building a truly global footprint. -Has carried out major environmental assessments for projects like High Speed 1, HS2, Keystone and Dakota Access pipelines. -Works in sectors from mining, energy and chemicals to manufacturing, pharma, power, renewables, finance and TMT. -Combines strategic advisory and technical delivery, using digital tools and proprietary methodologies. -Notably led environmental impact assessments for cross-border hydroelectric, rail and oil infrastructure.

Sector Specialisms