Environmental Permitting Advisor; Field Based

Environmental Permitting Advisor (Field Based)

Join to apply for the Environmental Permitting Advisor (Field Based) role at ERM
. ERM is hiring an Environmental Permitting Advisor in Richmond, Virginia to support a key power client’s Transmission and Distribution team. This is a full‑time (40 hours per week) limited‑term role with a 12‑month duration, extendable. A hybrid work option allows 2–3 days in the office and the rest from home.

The primary focus is to prepare, review, and edit environmental portions of Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) applications to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for transmission line projects.

• Participate in SCC project team meetings, providing guidance on environmental permitting and programmatic implications of transmission line route alternatives.
• Support the development of SCC Applications through project meetings, routing discussions, drafting, and finalization, ensuring consistency of environmental programmatic aspects across applications.
• Act as the E&S lead on SCC projects, coordinating with project managers to understand the scope of new and replacement electric transmission projects and applying environmental regulations to determine the required permits.
• Determine environmental permit applicability with knowledge of Section 404/401, Section 7, Section 106, NEPA, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management programs.
• Collaborate with external vendors/consultants to prepare, review, and comment on permit applications to align with program expectations.
• Communicate with regulatory agencies to obtain necessary environmental permits and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Convey environmental compliance requirements from permitting agencies to project and field teams.
• Provide technical assistance to sites/projects during construction to ensure environmental compliance.
• Interpret environmental permits and regulations to ensure compliance of project requirements and deadlines.
• Analyze, identify, and develop compliance strategies critical for project development.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field (preferred).
• 5–7 years of linear permitting experience in Virginia, with a preference for experience in electric transmission.
• Experience supporting Virginia SCC processes to obtain a CPCN.
• Experience compiling and reviewing environmental permits related to wetlands, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management.
• Vendor oversight and strong negotiation skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage details, multiple tasks, hard deadlines and to be a self‑starter.
• Strong logic and reasoning skills to evaluate alternatives and solutions.
• Ability to embrace collaborative problem‑solving.

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. ERM builds a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment and values the strength that diversity brings to our clients.

ERMs Equal Employment Opportunity statement

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.