Senior Consultant, Scientist

About the Role

As renewable energy and infrastructure projects expand, the need for expert wildlife and habitat assessments has never been greater. In this role, you’ll help clients navigate environmental challenges while ensuring compliance and biodiversity protection. Your work will directly influence sustainable development across California and beyond. You’ll lead field programs, conduct ecological assessments, and develop mitigation strategies that safeguard wildlife and habitats. From avian nesting behavior to riparian ecosystems, your expertise will guide decisions that balance progress with preservation. You’ll also collaborate with ERM’s global network of environmental and social experts, contributing to innovative solutions for complex projects. • Design and lead wildlife and habitat field programs across California. • Conduct vegetation and habitat mapping, wildlife surveys, and ecological assessments. • Prepare wildlife assessments for EAs/EISs and management plans in regulatory compliance. • Deliver high‑quality technical reports, literature reviews, and client recommendations. • Assess biological risks and develop mitigation strategies. • Manage multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule while maintaining quality. • Engage with subcontractors, regulatory agencies, landowners, Indigenous communities, and clients during field activities. • Collaborate with ERM colleagues worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸field programs
• ▸habitat mapping
• ▸wildlife surveys
• ▸risk assessment
• ▸mitigation strategies
• ▸project management

What You Bring

Ready to lead impactful projects that protect wildlife and shape sustainable energy solutions? ERM is looking for an experienced Senior Consultant, Scientist, Wildlife Biologist to join our Northern California team and support critical initiatives in the Power sector. If you thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and want to make a tangible difference for species at risk, this is your opportunity. • Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience). • 3–4+ years of environmental consulting experience, preferably on power sector projects. • Strong knowledge of California and federal environmental regulations. • Proven experience in environmental assessments, technical report writing, and leading field crews. • Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills. • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a company vehicle for frequent travel. • Preferred: 5+ years consulting experience, prior California power sector projects, statistical analysis or spatial mapping skills, certifications (HAZWOPER, CPR/First Aid, biological field methods).

Requirements

• ▸biology degree
• ▸environmental consulting
• ▸regulatory knowledge
• ▸assessments
• ▸statistical analysis
• ▸hazwoper

Benefits

The anticipated annual base pay for this senior consultant role ranges from $74,825 to $96,901, with potential bonus eligibility. ERM offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, and retirement plans. Additional compensation such as bonuses or commissions is discretionary.

Work Environment

Field