Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting (Principal Level) (Creative Design)

ERM (Environmental Resources Management) is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services. We are currently seeking a Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment/Permitting to join our team to help shape and support the growth our Canadian Regulatory and Permitting Team. This position would ideally be based in one of our Canadian offices (e.g., Vancouver, Smithers, Whitehorse, Calgary, Saskatoon, Toronto), but would allow for flexibility and remote work from other locations. Applicants in other locations in Canada will also be considered.

The role requires subject matter expertise within the infrastructure or natural resource development sector—particularly in the renewable energy, transportation, oil and gas, or mining sectors—combined with a demonstrated understanding of applicable provincial/territorial and federal regulatory and permitting requirements. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in British Columbia, Alberta, and/or Ontario provincial permitting and impact assessment processes. The successful candidate will become a leader in ERM Canada's Regulatory and Permitting Team and will be connected with ERM's regional team of environmental and social experts.

This posting is designed for a resourceful, motivated person with experience and skills in environmental assessment and/or permitting who enjoys problem-solving and is ready for the next stage of their career by leading multi-disciplinary teams within a challenging and fast-paced multi-stakeholder environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical and regulatory leadership for projects advancing through provincial / territorial / federal environmental assessment and permitting processes. This includes working closely with ERM Partners, Technical Directors, and Project Managers to provide regulatory support to clients, lead internal technical teams, and ensure the timely delivery of quality products that fully meet the client and regulator's requirements.
• Provide advice, guidance and senior review on a variety of regulatory, permitting, environmental impact assessment tasks in support of clients' projects.
• Design and support engagement activities with regulators, Indigenous groups, communities, and stakeholders as part of the project design and regulatory process.
• Provide expert technical input and guidance to team members on the application of regulatory and permitting requirements applicable to client projects, to develop technical expertise across sectors, and regulatory jurisdictions.
• Work on multiple projects, supporting management of risks and implementing ERM's quality standards for project deliverables.
• Execute activities such as conducting environmental assessment and/or permit application scoping; managing information requirements/requests; technical writing; researching and reviewing data and regulations/guidance; collecting and integrating input from ERM's subject matter experts; preparing permit and environmental management plans; delegating GIS, data compilation and desktop publishing assignments to support applications; and developing recommendations for clients.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees worldwide.
• Lead preparation of technical proposals, including the development of technical scopes and cost estimates, and participate in business development with existing clients and identified leads. 
• Partake in ERM internal and external training opportunities to maintain and grow work-related skills and remain current on changes to regulatory requirements.
• Actively embrace and support ERM's leading health and safety training and workplace environment.
• Think critically and strategically, helping to influence the impact of our work within our team, and positive outcomes for our clients.

Depending on the skills, experience and interest of the candidate selected, this role may also include project management of a variety of regulatory, permitting, and environmental impact assessment tasks in support of clients' projects.

QUALIFICATIONS & DESIRABLE SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or related field. Or equivalent experience. 
• 6+ years (10 years preferred) of experience in environmental consulting, environmental impact assessment, or equivalent industry experience within relevant business sectors.
• Expertise and experience with Canadian federal, provincial and territorial regulations and guidelines (in particular, familiarity with environmental assessment and permitting processes in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories and/or Nunavut) or similar legislation in other jurisdictions.
• Experience in the delivery of complex, large projects and programs across sectors (such as oil and gas, ports, marine, mining, renewables etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory and permitting requirements and compliance management as they relate to mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and transportation projects.
• Excellent writing, communication, organization, time, and team management skills.
• The ability to prioritize and meet deadlines and inspire teams in a demanding work environment.
• Experience working and leading as part of an integrated team providing technical deliverables for input into regulatory applications.
• Experience providing strategic guidance to support clients navigating the regulatory process.
• Experience in providing directions to client consulting teams regarding application content requirements to contribute to successful regulatory reviews.
• Strong commitment to safety, including following established health and safety protocols.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and keen interest and ability to learn new skills and knowledge, applying and integrating on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborating naturally, are dependable and flexible.
• Experience working with Indigenous groups, particularly in the context of regulatory processes, including the use of Indigenous knowledge is an asset.
• Experience with community and stakeholder engagement and integrating community feedback into assessments and permitting deliverables is an asset.
• English is required and fluency in multiple languages (e.g., Indigenous languages, French) is an asset.
• Proven experience supporting clients with assessment leadership and provincial permitting processes in British Columbia, Alberta or Ontario is an asset.
• Experience with compliance-based air, water, and noise provincial permitting and notification requirements in Ontario is an asset.