How to apply for Consulting Director, Scientist

About Environmental Resources Management

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a global leader in sustainability consulting, uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the transition to a low-carbon future. With a strong focus on practical, results-driven solutions, ERM offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape environmental policy and infrastructure development worldwide.

About the role

As a Consulting Director, Scientist, you will lead complex environmental permitting efforts for major infrastructure and energy projects, ensuring compliance with regulations while advancing sustainability goals. This role combines technical expertise with strategic client management, making it pivotal in driving ERM's mission to accelerate global sustainability.

A typical day

Your day might start with a client call to discuss a permitting strategy for a new solar farm, followed by a team meeting to review project timelines and budgets. Afternoon could involve drafting a wetland delineation report or meeting with a regulatory agency to negotiate permit conditions, ending with a business development pitch to a potential client.

Who Environmental Resources Management is looking for

• A seasoned environmental professional with 15+ years of experience in ecological permitting and wetlands science, preferably with a background in consulting.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale permitting programs for infrastructure, energy, or renewable projects, including coordination with regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. wetland regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404) and environmental impact assessment processes.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring teams and driving business development through client relationships.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific projects where you led permitting for complex infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, wind farms, highways) and include metrics like project size or timeline.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize regulatory agency interactions and successful permit outcomes, using keywords like 'NEPA,' '404/401 permitting,' and 'mitigation banking.'
• In your cover letter, mention ERM's sustainability focus and how your experience aligns with their goal of enabling low-carbon futures.
• Prepare a portfolio of 2-3 case studies that showcase your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and budgets for concurrent projects.
• Network with current ERM employees via LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and specific client challenges.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your extensive experience with environmental permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, emphasizing results and regulatory compliance.', 'Your ability to manage multiple projects and lead cross-functional teams, with examples of successful coordination.', "Your commitment to sustainability and how it aligns with ERM's mission to accelerate global environmental progress.", 'Your client management skills and experience in business development, including securing new contracts or expanding existing relationships.']

Research before applying

• Review ERM's recent projects and case studies on their website, especially those related to renewable energy and infrastructure.
• Understand ERM's 'Sustainability' framework and how they measure impact across clients and industries.
• Look into ERM's key clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors to tailor your examples.
• Read ERM's thought leadership pieces on low-carbon transitions and ESG trends.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you managed a permitting project with conflicting stakeholder interests. How did you resolve it?
• How do you stay current with evolving wetland regulations and environmental policies?
• Tell us about a project where you had to adapt to unexpected regulatory changes. What was the outcome?
• How would you approach business development for ERM's sustainability consulting services?
• Walk us through your process for managing a $5M+ permitting program from start to finish.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't focus solely on technical skills without demonstrating business acumen and client management experience.
• Avoid being vague about your role in past projects; be specific about your leadership and contributions.
• Don't overlook the importance of business development; even if you're not in sales, show how you've grown client relationships.