Senior Consultant, Scientist

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.

Why This Role Matters

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.

What Your Impact Is

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.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field. Or equivalent experience.

• 3-4+ years of environmental consulting experience, ideally with 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.

• 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.

• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• 5+ years of environmental consulting experience.

• Prior experience in California-based projects and power sector work.

• Skills in statistical analysis or spatial mapping.

• Certifications such as HAZWOPER, CPR/First Aid, or biological field methods.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 compliance with regulatory requirements.

• 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 standards.

• Engage with subcontractors, regulatory agencies, landowners, Indigenous communities, and clients during field activities.

• Foster collaboration with ERM colleagues worldwide.

For the Senior Consultant, Scientist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $69,386–$102,301 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.