Lead Complex Permitting Programs. Shape Regulatory Strategy. Drive Sustainable Project Success Across Canada.
ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Permitting Specialist to join our Regulatory and Permitting Team in British Columbia, preferably Vancouver, BC. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor on some of Canada's most complex projects while positioning yourself to transition into a future Permitting Practice Lead role, overseeing a team of approximately 4-6 professionals. Working alongside experts in permitting, environmental assessment, engineering, Indigenous engagement, permit compliance, and project management, you will help clients navigate regulatory complexity, advance sustainable development, and deliver meaningful environmental and business outcomes.
Why This Role Matters
Major projects across Canada are increasingly shaped by evolving regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and sustainability priorities. Your leadership will directly influence how these projects move from concept to construction and operations, balancing environmental stewardship, community interests, and business objectives.
In this role, you'll help clients confidently navigate complex permitting processes while advancing best practices, strengthening regulatory strategies, and contributing to the continued growth of ERM's Permitting Practice. Your expertise will play a critical role in delivering responsible development across mining, renewable energy, transportation, and oil and gas sectors.
What Your Impact Is
- Serve as a senior regulatory subject matter expert guiding projects through complex permitting processes.
- Provide regulatory and permitting expertise for projects subject to provincial and federal environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Influence project strategy by integrating regulatory expertise with technical, Indigenous, and stakeholder considerations.
- Strengthen ERM's presence in British Columbia and across Canada by delivering high-quality outcomes and building trusted client relationships.
- Mentor and elevate internal teams while collaborating with Canadian and global subject matter experts.
- Contribute to sustainable development initiatives across sectors including mining, renewable energy, transportation, and oil and gas.
- Support the growth and advancement of the Regulatory and Permitting Team while helping shape the future of the practice.
What You'll Bring
Required
- Bachelor's degree in environmental or earth sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in environmental/regulatory consulting, or equivalent industry experience within relevant business sectors.
- Registration, or eligibility to apply to become a registered professional with a combination of academic and professional experience to be considered a Qualified Professional within British Columbia for oversight of and/or certifying regulatory applications and deliverables.
- In-depth working knowledge of British Columbia environmental and natural resource legislation, and mining-associated federal legislation.
- Understanding of regulatory permitting requirements and compliance management related to mining, as well as oil and gas, renewable energy, and transportation projects.
- Proven experience leading and collaborating within integrated teams delivering high-quality permit applications.
- Excellent writing, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience providing direction to client and consulting teams regarding permit application content requirements that support successful regulatory review.
- Experience engaging with regulators. Experience with Indigenous engagement is an asset.
- Strong commitment to safety, including adherence to established health and safety protocols.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- 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.
Preferred
- Master's degree in environmental or earth sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related field.
- 12+ years of experience preferred in environmental/regulatory consulting, or equivalent industry experience within relevant business sectors.
- Experience in capital project management and coordination of multidisciplinary projects and teams.
- Knowledge of federal, provincial, and territorial regulations and guidelines in Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and/or Nunavut.
- Fluency in additional languages, such as Indigenous languages, Spanish, or French.
- Prior leadership, mentoring, or team management experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical direction and regulatory leadership for projects advancing through regulatory review and approval processes.
- Partner with ERM Partners and Project Managers to deliver regulatory support, lead project teams, and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables that meet client and regulator expectations.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with regulators and support engagement activities with Indigenous groups, communities, and stakeholders throughout project design and permitting processes.
- Offer expert guidance on regulatory and permitting requirements across jurisdictions and sectors while fostering knowledge development within the Regulatory and Permitting Team.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
Lead Key Project Activities Including:
- Development and implementation of permitting strategies and regulatory approval programs.
- Permitting strategy development and project scoping.
- Providing strategic advice to clients regarding permitting risks, opportunities, and critical-path approvals.
- Leading permit application planning, preparation, review, and submission activities.
- Managing information requirements and regulatory information requests.
- Technical writing and regulatory research.
- Integrating input from technical subject matter experts.
- Coordinating GIS, data compilation, and desktop publishing support.
Business Development & Practice Growth
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships across ERM's global network of experts.
- Identify opportunities with existing and prospective clients to expand regulatory and permitting services.
- Lead proposal development efforts, including technical scopes, schedules, and cost estimates.
- Support client account growth and strategic business development initiatives.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor and develop junior and intermediate permitting professionals.
- Contribute to building an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
- Participate in internal and external training to stay current on regulatory developments and industry best practices.
For the Principal Technical Consultant, Permitting Specialist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,800–$147,300 (CAD). 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 subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (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, RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
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 welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
ERM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, Indigenous identity, or status as a protected veteran or qualified individual with a disability.
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.
Notice Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring
- Our organization uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to assist in the recruitment process. These tools may help screen, assess, and/or evaluate applicants based on information provided in resumes, applications, and other submitted materials. All AI systems are designed to support fair and efficient hiring decisions and operate under human oversight.
- By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to the use of AI tools in evaluating your candidacy. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact us at nainquiries@erm.com.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
