Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager

Lead the permitting strategies that power the clean energy transition across the Pacific Northwest.
At ERM, we are looking for a Principal Consultant, Renewables Project Manager to help shape the future of renewable energy development across the Pacific Northwest. Based in Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington, this is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced permitting professional who thrives at the intersection of project delivery, client advisory, business development, and environmental stewardship. As part of ERM's planning team, you will lead consulting efforts on environmental, social, and health impact assessment projects while collaborating with ERM's global technical experts to share industry-leading practices and advance our renewable energy permitting services regionally and nationally.
Why This Role MattersThe transition to a low-carbon economy depends on successfully navigating increasingly complex permitting and environmental review processes. In this role, you will help clients move critical renewable energy projects from concept to reality by developing permitting strategies, leading regulatory approvals, and managing multidisciplinary teams across multiple jurisdictions. Your work will directly influence the development, construction, and operation of commercial-scale energy facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
What Your Impact IsLead permitting and environmental review strategies for utility-scale renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects.
Advise clients on complex federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and approval pathways.
Manage multidisciplinary teams delivering environmental assessments, permitting documentation, and regulatory compliance solutions.
Build and strengthen client relationships while contributing to ERM's continued growth in the renewable energy sector.
Support the development of innovative, sustainable energy projects that accelerate the U.
S. clean energy transition.
Mentor team members and help cultivate a collaborative, high-performing consulting practice.
What You'll BringRequiredBachelor's or Master's degree in biology, environmental studies, environmental management, wetland science, planning, geography, or a related natural resources science field of study; or equivalent experience.6+ years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including strong project experience in renewable energy or a similar practice across Washington and Oregon.
Experience with federal, state, and local permitting, including preparation of applications and permitting documentation related to renewable energy project development.
Experience assisting clients in obtaining multi-media permits and approvals for new or expanded facilities.
Experience overseeing and coordinating desktop and online studies or research on natural resource or resource planning topics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and map interpretation using resources such as the National Wetland Inventory, U.
S. Geological Survey, and aerial photography.
Demonstrated ability to research and prepare concise, accurate technical documents and present findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and analytical capabilities, including experience preparing detailed technical reports and documentation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members; strong interpersonal skills with a responsive, collaborative, versatile, service-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.
Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
Preferred8+ years of project management, licensing, and permitting experience, including strong project experience in renewable energy or a similar practice across Washington and Oregon.
Experience developing permitting strategies and securing local land use approvals for renewable energy projects.
Experience obtaining Conditional Use Permits and Special Use Permits for utility-scale energy projects.
Familiarity with county and municipal permitting processes throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Experience evaluating permitting constraints, variance opportunities, and project optimization strategies for developers.
Experience supporting projects reviewed through the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) and Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) processes.

Key Responsibilities
Manage renewable energy permitting projects throughout Oregon and Washington, including utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind energy, transmission, and other energy infrastructure projects. This includes projects undergoing review t