Application Guide

How to Apply for Consulting Associate, Climate Change

at Environmental Resources Management

🏢 About Environmental Resources Management

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a leading global sustainability consultancy that partners with organizations to navigate the transition to a low-carbon future. With a focus on actionable strategies and measurable outcomes, ERM offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact climate projects across industries. As a remote-friendly employer, ERM values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those passionate about driving real environmental change.

About This Role

As a Consulting Associate in Climate Change, you will support clients in developing and implementing climate and air quality strategies, including greenhouse gas inventories, emissions reduction initiatives, and regulatory compliance. This role is impactful because your technical insights will directly inform critical business decisions that shape sustainability outcomes. You'll work on diverse projects, from product carbon footprinting to Clean Air Act permitting, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in on a client's GHG inventory project, followed by analyzing emissions data in Excel or a database. You might then draft a technical memo summarizing compliance options for a manufacturing client, and later join a call with regulators to clarify permitting requirements. The day ends with updating project timelines and researching new climate policies relevant to ongoing work.

🎯 Who Environmental Resources Management Is Looking For

  • A recent graduate with a BS in chemical, environmental, or mechanical engineering, or a related field, with up to 3 years of experience in consulting or industry.
  • Hands-on experience with greenhouse gas inventory development, product carbon footprinting, life cycle analysis, or Clean Air Act permitting and compliance.
  • Strong spreadsheet and database skills, with the ability to manage and analyze complex datasets to derive actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical findings into clear recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Resources Management

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects involving GHG inventories, LCA, or air permitting, using metrics to quantify results (e.g., 'Reduced emissions by X%').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your academic background (e.g., engineering) to the role's technical requirements, mentioning relevant coursework or research.

3

Showcase your spreadsheet proficiency by mentioning specific tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) and how you used them for data analysis in past roles or projects.

4

Research ERM's recent sustainability reports and client case studies to demonstrate your knowledge of their approach during interviews.

5

Prepare a brief portfolio or example of a past project (e.g., a GHG inventory or LCA) to discuss during the interview, focusing on your role and outcomes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your technical expertise in GHG inventories, LCA, or air permitting, and how it aligns with ERM's focus on measurable outcomes.", 'Highlight your ability to navigate complex regulations and permitting processes, as this is a key part of the role.', "Demonstrate your passion for climate action and sustainability, linking it to ERM's mission of accelerating low-carbon futures.", 'Showcase your communication skills by providing an example of how you translated technical data into actionable insights for decision-makers.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review ERM's latest sustainability report and 'Climate & Net Zero' service offerings to understand their client approach.
  • Explore recent ERM case studies on GHG reduction or air quality projects to see the types of outcomes they deliver.
  • Familiarize yourself with ERM's remote work culture and any tools they use for collaboration (e.g., Teams, Asana).
  • Look into ERM's partnerships, such as with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to understand their industry influence.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would develop a greenhouse gas inventory for a manufacturing client. What methodologies and tools would you use?
2 Describe a time you had to interpret a complex environmental regulation (e.g., Clean Air Act). How did you ensure compliance?
3 How do you approach data quality and uncertainty in life cycle analysis? Provide an example.
4 Tell me about a project where you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineers, policymakers). What was your role?
5 How do you stay current with evolving climate policies and standards (e.g., GHG Protocol, SECR)?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention specific climate change or air quality experience.
  • Overlooking the importance of spreadsheet and database skills; failing to demonstrate technical proficiency in your application.
  • Not researching ERM's specific methodologies or recent projects, which can make you seem unprepared during interviews.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Environmental Resources Management!