Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Specialist

at Environmental Resources Management

🏢 About Environmental Resources Management

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a global sustainability consultancy that uniquely combines deep technical expertise with strategic business insights to help clients navigate complex environmental and social challenges. Unlike traditional consulting firms, ERM focuses specifically on accelerating sustainability transitions, enabling low-carbon futures, and advancing ESG priorities worldwide, making it an ideal workplace for professionals passionate about creating tangible environmental impact through corporate strategy.

About This Role

As a Research Specialist at ERM, you'll design and conduct both qualitative and quantitative research to develop thought leadership materials that support the company's sustainability consulting work. This role involves interviewing stakeholders, authoring research papers and blogs, and supporting network convening activities—directly contributing to ERM's mission of advancing global ESG priorities through evidence-based insights.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve designing interview protocols for stakeholder research on a client's decarbonization strategy, analyzing secondary data on ESG reporting trends, drafting sections of a research brief on sustainable supply chains, and coordinating with network members for an upcoming sustainability convening. You'll balance independent research work with collaborative publication preparation and client-focused insight development.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Environmental Resources Management Is Looking For

  • Has 3-5 years of experience in a research and writing role at a consulting firm, with a proven track record of producing reports, briefs, or blogs
  • Possesses a bachelor's degree in environmental science, business, communications, or political science (MBA or master's preferred)
  • Demonstrates experience conducting both primary (e.g., interviews) and secondary research methodologies
  • Can balance research rigor with practical application to support client-facing sustainability consulting work

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Resources Management

1

Highlight specific examples of research projects where you conducted both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative analysis, ideally in sustainability or ESG contexts

2

Showcase any experience with thought leadership publication preparation, mentioning specific formats like research papers, briefs, or blogs you've authored

3

Demonstrate understanding of ERM's strategic focus by connecting your research experience to low-carbon transitions or ESG priority advancement

4

Include examples of supporting network/convening activities like member communications or meeting planning from previous roles

5

Quantify your research impact where possible (e.g., 'research informed 3 client sustainability strategies' or 'interviewed 15 stakeholders for a climate report')

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience designing and conducting both primary (interview-based) and secondary research in consulting environments', "Specific examples of research outputs you've produced (papers, briefs, blogs) and how they informed decision-making", "Your understanding of sustainability/ESG topics and how your research skills can advance ERM's mission", 'Any experience with stakeholder engagement or network activities that support research dissemination']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ERM's recent thought leadership publications on their website to understand their research style and priority topics
  • → Study ERM's service offerings and client sectors to understand how research supports their consulting work
  • → Research ERM's specific ESG frameworks and low-carbon transition methodologies mentioned in their materials
  • → Look into ERM's Institute (mentioned in job description) and its current research initiatives

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your process for designing a mixed-methods research study on a sustainability topic
2 How would you approach scheduling and conducting interviews with diverse stakeholders (clients, partners, etc.)?
3 Walk us through a research paper or brief you authored from conception to publication
4 How do you ensure research findings are actionable for consulting clients advancing ESG priorities?
5 What experience do you have with network/convening activities that support research dissemination?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting only academic research experience without connecting it to practical consulting applications
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how research supports business decision-making in sustainability contexts
  • Not providing specific examples of both qualitative AND quantitative research methodologies in your background

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to Environmental Resources Management!

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