Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist (Director Level)

Erm

The Role

Overview

Lead CEQA/NEPA permitting for CA power projects and drive business growth

Key Responsibilities

  • impact assessment
  • permit strategy
  • technical studies
  • team leadership
  • client development
  • business growth

Tasks

-Serve as Expert Biologist/Regulatory Specialist for environmental impact assessment under CEQA- and NEPA-related activities and natural resource permitting in support of ERM clients’ capital projects (i.e., data centers, power generation, electrical transmission, renewable energy projects). -Meet business health & safety performance standards, financial targets, overall project budgets and schedules, client satisfaction/expectations, and internal risk management and contractual requirements -Participate in the growth and development of a high-performance team, overseeing project work of staff consultants, and serving as a mentor to staff consultants. Identify emerging talent and work with them to reach their full potential; ensure rising stars are nurtured, developed and given new areas of responsibility. -Lead programs to develop permit strategies, specify best management practices; oversee the preparation of permit applications and negotiate conditions with applicable state and federal agencies. -Work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment to build ERM’s global business, as well as to lead client and practice teams. Drive innovation within the Impact Assessment and Planning service offering to stay ahead of client needs and to differentiate ERM in the market. -Serve as a dynamic contributor to a select group of existing account teams, diversifying ERMs services with these clients and shaping the strategy for client engagement on these accounts. Collaborate with Account Directors/Managers on client account development, sales, and delivery of the full spectrum of ERM’s consulting services to deliver strategic value to our clients in the electric/gas transmission and generation siting/development markets. Provide business value, selling strategically within client organizations, raising the profile of ERM’s capabilities within key client organizations, to identify and shape clients’ needs for ERM services. -Oversee the preparation of technical studies and impact assessment documents in a variety of resource areas, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Mitigated Negative Declarations, serving in roles ranging from program manager to lead technical expert to QA/QC. -Established relationships with California utility companies, in particular PG&E, SCE and Sempra, to leverage existing contract agreements for new project opportunities.

Requirements

  • 8+ years
  • electric transmission
  • ceqa
  • nepa
  • ms biology
  • leadership

What You Bring

-8+ years of consulting experience, including substantial experience with the electric/gas transmission and generation markets in California. -Direct permitting and compliance associated with telecom, energy infrastructure and other linear development projects with an emphasis on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Fish and Wildlife Service, and Regional Water Quality Control Board permits and consultations. -MS in biology, environmental science or related field. -Demonstrable track record in delivering multi-million-dollar environmental programs or successfully winning large and strategic projects. -Solid grasp of the key impact assessment and management issues within the California electric/gas transmission and generation market, as well as a high degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of CEQA impact assessment best practices. -Experience overseeing the development of CEQA and NEPA documents, preferably experience with California Public Utilities Commission General Order 131-D. -Business acumen to understand business risks and challenges, and to recognize opportunities to provide enterprise-wide solutions for clients. -Drive and ability to cultivate new client relationships in collaboration with existing Account Directors and account teams. -BS in biology, environmental science or related field. -Recognized technical expertise by and established reputation in the marketplace, including positive reputation with key regulators relevant to CEQA impact assessment approvals. -Strong people leadership skills and passion to manage, develop, and grow a team of direct and indirect reports. -15+ years preferred of consulting experience, including substantial experience with the electric/gas transmission and generation markets in California.

The Company

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

Chemical

Financial Services

Manufacturing

Mining & Metals

Oil & Gas

Pharmaceutical

Power

Renewables