Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist/Permitting Specialist

Launch your consulting career at the forefront of sustainable development and infrastructure.

ERM is seeking a Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist / Permitting Specialist to join our Capital Project Development (CPD) team in Washington, DC. This is an exciting early‑career opportunity to build hands‑on experience supporting complex land development and capital infrastructure projects across the Mid‑Atlantic—while working alongside leading environmental consultants, project managers, and partners.

In this role, you will contribute to high‑impact projects spanning renewable energy, power, oil and gas, mining, and technology. You’ll play a meaningful role in shaping how projects move from concept to reality—supporting environmental assessments, field surveys, and permitting strategies that help clients responsibly develop critical infrastructure. At ERM, your work matters, your voice is valued, and your career development is intentional.

Why This Role Matters?

As a Consulting Associate within ERM’s Capital Project Development team, you will help advance projects that balance economic growth, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Your work directly supports sustainable development, responsible land use, and informed decision‑making for some of the most critical energy and infrastructure investments in the region.

What Your Impact Is:

• Support environmental due diligence, permitting, and impact assessments for complex land development and infrastructure projects
• Contribute to regulatory research, environmental policy analysis, and technical documentation that informs project approvals
• Conduct field surveys and collect, organize, and analyze environmental data that shapes project strategy and outcomes
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and subject matter experts to deliver high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose consulting solutions
• Build a strong foundation in environmental consulting while developing technical and project delivery skills across sectors

What You’ll Bring:

Required

• BS in environmental science, biology, natural resources, or a related discipline. Or equivalent experience
• 0–2 years of relevant experience
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and challenging terrain
• Detail‑oriented mindset with strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with strong organization and analytical abilities
• Willingness and ability to support field assignments for extended periods as needed
• Strong technical report writing skills, including experience recording and documenting detailed technical data
• Experience building tables and spreadsheets, including tabulation and manipulation of data
• Demonstrated consulting attributes: team‑oriented, eager to learn and grow, proactive, adaptable, and service‑focused
• Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, while maintaining awareness of the bigger picture
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• 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
• Ability to pass a pre‑hire background check and drug test
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Education and/or experience in the energy sector
• Familiarity with environmental field survey techniques and wetland delineations
• Working knowledge of sub‑meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography)
• Experience with GIS software
• Technical background in wetlands, protected species management, land development permitting, or related disciplines

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct environmental assessment tasks including land use planning and facility siting, pipeline and transmission routing studies, renewable energy desktop and field‑based assessments, environmental reporting, and development of permit matrices and permit applications
• With appropriate guidance and supervision, deliver creative, fit‑for‑purpose technical analyses within areas of specialization while supporting analyses outside primary expertise in collaboration with ERM subject matter experts
• Perform project delivery activities such as field surveys, data collection and organization, regulatory and literature research, report writing, permitting documentation, and development of client strategies and recommendations
• Provide technical assistance on capital infrastructure projects, including NEPA environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, environmental due diligence, habitat assessments, wetland delineations and reports, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and related environmental documentation
• Assist with preparation of project‑specific compliance management plans in alignment with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Develop permitting and compliance documentation with emphasis on coordination with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and state and local agencies
• Work within established quality, budget, and schedule expectations while developing a foundational understanding of project management responsibilities
• Collaborate as an integral member of the Capital Project Development team and support overall team goals

For the Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist / Permitting Specialist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $65,600–$81,353 (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. 

Who We Are: 
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. 

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.  

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  

Thank you for your interest in ERM! 

#LI-Hybrid

Candidates may be invited to complete an online assessment as part of our recruitment process. All personal information will be handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection laws.