Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment

Lead market‑critical approvals. Advise senior decision‑makers. Shape Canada’s major capital projects.
Lead market‑critical approvals. Advise senior decision‑makers. Shape Canada’s major capital projects.
ERM
is seeking an Ontario‑based
Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment
to help guide clients' capital projects in Eastern Canada through their regulatory and permitting journey, from early pathway planning and baseline studies through impact assessment, approvals, and permits. Working with ERM Partners and a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists, you will help turn complex regulatory requirements into a clear, sequenced route to approval. This role suits an individual with regulatory experience in Ontario and/or Québec, confidence in working directly with clients, and a drive to grow as a trusted advisor.In this role, you will help clients plan their approval pathways, understand regulator and Indigenous expectations, and keep projects moving from one milestone to the next. Supported by ERM's broader team, you will contribute to de‑risking approvals, protecting schedules, and supporting investment decisions across mining, energy, renewables, infrastructure, and industrial development, with a particular focus on mining in Ontario, Québec, and Eastern Canada.
Why This RoleAcross Canada, project proponents are under increasing pressure to secure regulatory approvals faster, with greater certainty, and without compromising social, environmental, or Indigenous commitments.
This role exists to help clients move capital projects forward with confidence, by setting smart regulatory strategies early, managing risk through disciplined execution, and ensuring approvals are delivered without surprises.
You will sit at the centre of these conversations: advising executives, engaging regulators, leading multidisciplinary teams, and contributing directly to ERM's growth in high‑value regulatory advisory and due diligence work across Ontario, Québec and Eastern Canada.
What You’ll Do
Lead Regulatory Strategy for Major Capital Projects Define and lead impact assessment and permitting strategies that align regulatory requirements with client business objectives, investment timelines, and risk tolerance.
Be a Trusted Client Advisor Work closely with ERM Partners, Key Account Managers, and senior client decision‑makers to provide clear, defensible advice on regulatory pathways, approval risk, and schedule certainty.
Deliver Complex Approvals Lead the planning and execution of impact assessment applications and permitting programs across federal and provincial regimes (primarily Ontario and Québec), including baseline program design, regulator engagement, information requests, and Indigenous and stakeholder processes.
Lead Multidisciplinary Teams Direct integrated teams of biophysical, social, and regulatory specialists to deliver high‑quality, regulator‑ready submissions on time and on budget.
Drive Commercial Outcomes Contribute to account growth, proposal development, scope definition, and pricing strategies. Support ERM’s Partners in originating and converting new work.
Build ERM’s Market Position Strengthen ERM's reputation as a go‑to advisor for complex approvals in Ontario, Québec and Eastern Canada through thought leadership, client excellence, and internal practice leadership.
Mentor and Lead Talent Coach senior consultants and managers, set clear expectations, and reinforce ERM’s standards for technical quality, commercial discipline, and client service.
What You’ll BringRequired
Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or related field.
6+ years of experience in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or senior environmental advisory roles within consulting, industry, or government.
Deep knowledge of federal and provincial impact assessment and permitting frameworks in Ontario and/or Québec, including the federal Impact Assessment Act, Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act and mining permitting, and Québec's environmental assessment procedure (including BAPE and the James Bay regime). Experience in both provinces is strongly preferred.
Ability to advise clients at the executive level.
Experience managing scopes, budgets, and multi‑disciplinary teams.
Strong commercial judgement, proposal leadership, and client relationship skills.
Experience working with Indigenous Nations and public stakeholders in regulatory contexts, ideally in Ontario and/or Québec.
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 in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or related field.
8+ years of experience preferred in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or senior environmental advisory roles within consulting, industry, or government.
Demonstrated success leading major project approvals, particularly in mining, with experience in energy, renewables, or infrastructure.
Experience with ESIA to international standards (e.G., IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles) and/or environmental and social due diligence.
Professional working proficiency in French.
How You Will Stand Out
You think like an advisor, not just a technical specialist
You understand how regulatory outcomes affect capital decisions, schedules, and investment risk
You deliver work that stands up to regulator scrutiny while meeting commercial realities
You lead teams with clarity, credibility, and accountability
What ERM Offers
A senior leadership role on Canada’s most significant resource and infrastructure projects
Direct access to ERM’s global network of technical and strategic experts
The opportunity to shape regulatory strategy, client relationships, and practice growth
Competitive total rewards, flexibility, and long‑term career runway within a global firm
For the Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment position, the anticipated annual base pay is $109,900–$147,300 (CAD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
ERM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
ERM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, Indigenous identity, or status as a protected veteran or qualified individual with a disability.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Notice Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring
Our organization uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to assist in the recruitment process. These tools may help screen, assess, and/or evaluate applicants based on information provided in resumes, applications, and other submitted materials. All AI systems are designed to support fair and efficient hiring decisions and operate under human oversight.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to the use of AI tools in evaluating your candidacy. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact us at View email address on ca.hrm.tc.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
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