Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist/Permitting Specialist

ERM • Philadelphia, PA

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

Kick‑start your environmental consulting career at the forefront of sustainable development. At ERM , you won’t just be supporting projects—you’ll be helping enable some of the most important capital development initiatives across the Mid‑Atlantic and beyond. As a Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist / Permitting Specialist , you’ll play a hands‑on role in guiding complex land development and infrastructure projects through the environmental and regulatory landscape. This is an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, work across multiple sectors, and build a strong technical foundation while contributing to projects that matter. ERM is seeking a motivated early‑career professional to join our Capital Project Development (CPD) team in Philadelphia, PA . You’ll collaborate closely with Project Managers, Partners, and technical experts to support environmental assessments, field surveys, and permitting activities for clients in renewable energy, oil and gas, power, mining, and technology. With ERM’s collaborative culture and nationwide network, this role offers exposure across geographies, disciplines, and industries—allowing you to shape a career path aligned with your interests, whether technical or project‑focused. Why This Role Matters Capital development projects increasingly depend on thoughtful environmental planning, regulatory insight, and strong technical execution. In this role, you’ll help clients navigate permitting and compliance requirements while balancing environmental stewardship and project delivery—directly influencing how infrastructure and energy projects move forward responsibly. What Your Impact Is Support critical environmental permitting and compliance efforts that enable major land development and infrastructure projects. Contribute field data, analysis, and technical documentation that inform regulatory decisions and project approvals. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose environmental solutions. Help clients address environmental risk, regulatory complexity, and sustainability challenges across multiple sectors. What You’ll Bring You’re detail‑oriented, curious, and eager to learn. You enjoy both field and office‑based work, value teamwork, and are motivated to build a career in environmental consulting. You’re comfortable working in dynamic environments and are excited by the opportunity to support impactful, real‑world projects.

Requirements

• BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a related discipline. Or equivalent experience.
• 0–1 years of relevant experience
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and challenging terrain
• Willingness and desire to support field assignments as needed, including extended periods
• Familiarity with environmental field survey techniques and wetland delineations
• Working knowledge of sub‑meter accuracy GPS technologies
• Map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography)
• Strong technical report writing skills, including recording and writing detailed technical data
• Experience building tables and spreadsheets, including data tabulation and manipulation
• Detail‑oriented with strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication, organization, and analytical skills
• Highly organized with a keen eye for detail while maintaining awareness of the big picture
• Demonstrated consulting attributes: team player, self‑starter, eager to learn, versatile, service‑oriented
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• 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.
• Ability to pass a pre‑hire background check and drug test
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Education and/or experience in the energy sector
• Technical specialization or exposure in one or more of the following areas: Wetlands Protected species management Land development permitting
• Proficiency with GIS software
• Experience supporting environmental policy analysis and regulatory research

Responsibilities

• Conduct tasks related to environmental assessments, including land use planning/facility siting, pipeline and/or transmission line routing studies, renewable energy desktop and field‑based environmental assessments and reporting, and development of permit matrices and complete permit applications
• Perform project delivery activities such as conducting field surveys; collecting, organizing, and analyzing field data; performing research and literature reviews; and writing technical reports and permitting documents
• Provide technical assistance on a wide range of capital infrastructure and other projects, including: Environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under NEPA Environmental due diligence services Habitat assessments Wetland delineations and reports Phase I Environmental Site Assessments Other related environmental documents
• Assist with preparation of project‑specific compliance management plans in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements
• Develop permitting and compliance documentation with emphasis on: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Marine Fisheries Service State and local regulatory agencies
• With appropriate guidance and supervision, deliver creative, fit‑for‑purpose technical analyses within your area of specialization and support additional analyses outside your specialization in collaboration with subject matter experts
• Work within quality, budget, and schedule expectations while developing a foundational understanding of project management responsibilities
• Support ERM Project Managers and Partners to deliver exceptional client value
• Work as an integral part of the Capital Project Development team and actively support team goals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level