Lead approvals that unlock investment. Advise executives with confidence. Shape Canada’s most consequential capital projects.

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy, based in Vancouver, Calgary or Whitehorse, to play a leading role in advising major organizations on some of Canada’s most complex, high‑value capital projects. This is a senior advisory opportunity for an experienced professional who understands how regulatory outcomes shape investment decisions—and who brings the credibility, judgment, and presence to guide executives through regulatory complexity with confidence.

Why This Role Matters

Across Canada, project proponents are under increasing pressure to secure regulatory approvals faster, manage risk more effectively, and deliver outcomes that meet regulatory, Indigenous, environmental, and commercial expectations.

This role exists to help clients move critical capital projects forward with certainty—by setting smart regulatory strategies early, aligning approvals with investment and schedule realities, and delivering disciplined execution without surprises. You will sit at the centre of these conversations, advising senior decision‑makers, engaging regulators, and leading integrated teams on projects that truly matter.

What Your Impact Is

• Enable market‑critical approvals that protect project schedules, capital, and reputational risk
• Advise executives and project sponsors on regulatory pathways, approval risk, and decision‑making under uncertainty
• Lead the delivery of complex impact assessment and permitting submissions that stand up to regulatory scrutiny
• Strengthen ERM’s reputation as a trusted advisor for complex regulatory approvals across Canada
• Contribute directly to the growth of ERM’s high‑value regulatory and impact assessment practice

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related field

• 6+ years of experience in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or senior environmental advisory roles within consulting, industry, or government

• Deep knowledge of Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial impact assessment and permitting frameworks, including experience in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and/or Nunavut

• Demonstrated experience leading complex regulatory approvals and multidisciplinary teams

• Proven ability to advise clients at the executive and project sponsor level

• Experience managing complex scopes, budgets, and project schedules

• Well‑developed experience working with Indigenous Nations and public stakeholders in regulatory contexts

• Ability to travel frequently for client business and conferences

  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

• 12+ years of experience in impact assessment or regulatory advisory roles
• Eligible to obtain a professional designation (e.g. RPBio)
• Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Indigenous languages, French)
• Demonstrated success leading regulatory approvals for major mining projects; experience in energy, renewables, or infrastructure considered an asset
• Strong commercial judgment, proposal leadership, and client relationship management experience

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Regulatory Strategy for Major Capital Projects: Define and execute impact assessment and permitting strategies that align regulatory requirements with client business objectives, investment timelines, and risk tolerance.
• Serve as a Trusted Senior Advisor: Work closely with ERM Partners, Key Account Managers, and senior client leaders to provide clear, defensible advice on regulatory pathways, approval risk, and schedule certainty.
• Deliver Complex Regulatory Approvals: Lead the planning and execution of impact assessment applications across federal, provincial, and territorial regimes—primarily British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and Nunavut—including regulator engagement, information requests, and Indigenous and stakeholder processes.
• Lead Multidisciplinary Teams: Direct integrated teams of biophysical, social, and regulatory specialists to deliver high‑quality, regulator‑ready submissions on time and on budget.
• Drive Commercial Outcomes: Support account growth, proposal development, scope definition, and pricing strategies. Partner with ERM leadership to originate and convert new work.
• Build ERM’s Market Position: Strengthen ERM’s profile as a go‑to advisor for complex approvals through thought leadership, client excellence, and internal practice leadership.
• Mentor and Develop Talent: Coach senior consultants and managers, set clear expectations, and reinforce ERM’s standards for technical excellence, commercial discipline, and client service.

For the Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,889**–$147,235****(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 (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 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!