Principal Technical Consultant, Permitting Specialist

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.

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, provinci