Principal Technical Consultant, Terrestrial Ecology
ERM · Calgary · CA$117,800–CA$147,300 (stated in the posting)
Shape the Future of Sustainable Resource Development Across Western Canada
Are you a seasoned terrestrial ecology professional looking to influence some of Canada's most complex mining, energy, and infrastructure projects? As a Principal Technical Consultant, Terrestrial Ecology based in Western Canada, you'll play a strategic role in delivering scientifically sound environmental solutions that help balance development with environmental stewardship. This is an opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary experts, mentor the next generation of consultants, and help clients navigate complex regulatory and ecological challenges across Canada. You'll contribute your expertise to high-impact projects while building trusted relationships with clients, regulators, Indigenous communities, and project stakeholders.
At ERM, you'll be part of a nationally recognized biodiversity team and a global network of environmental and social experts, helping organizations make informed decisions that create lasting value for both business and the environment.
Why This Role Matters?
Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to responsible development. In this role, you'll provide technical leadership on terrestrial ecology, soil science, environmental assessment, permitting, and mitigation planning for projects that support Canada's mining, energy, power, and infrastructure sectors.
Your expertise will help clients understand environmental risks, meet regulatory requirements, and develop practical solutions that protect ecological values while enabling sustainable project advancement. As a senior member of the team, you'll also help strengthen ERM's technical capabilities through mentorship, collaboration, and business growth initiatives.
What Your Impact Is:
- Lead terrestrial ecology and soil science programs that support major mining, energy, and infrastructure projects across Western and Northern Canada.
- Deliver high-quality environmental assessments, permitting applications, and management plans that meet federal, provincial, and territorial requirements.
- Guide clients through complex environmental regulatory processes and mitigation planning strategies.
- Mentor and support junior team members, helping build technical excellence across the ecosystem team.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists across Canada and globally to solve challenging environmental issues.
- Develop trusted relationships with clients, Indigenous communities, regulators, landowners, and project stakeholders.
- Support business development efforts and contribute to the continued growth of ERM's ecology practice.
- Help shape sustainable project outcomes through science-based decision-making and technical leadership.
What You'll Bring:
Required
- B.Sc. degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
- Designation as a Qualified Professional in Alberta and/or British Columbia, or immediate eligibility.
- 6+ years of environmental consulting experience.
- Environmental Assessment and associated permitting experience in BC, Alberta, and/or Northern Canada.
- Expertise with Federal, Provincial, and Territorial regulations and guidelines pertaining to survey methodologies, environmental assessment, and mitigation planning.
- Strong upland and wetland plant identification skills.
- Detailed understanding of rare plant and invasive plant species survey methodologies following provincial standards, guidelines, and procedures.
- Detailed understanding of terrestrial ecosystem mapping under relevant provincial systems (e.g., biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification).
- Detailed understanding of soil surveys and mapping under relevant provincial systems.
- Strong commitment to safety, including following established health and safety protocols.
- Ability to follow directions and take initiative when required.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment.
- Ability to perform survey field work under challenging conditions (e.g., weather, terrain).
- 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
- M.Sc. degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
- 8+ years of environmental consulting experience preferred.
- Prior experience in government, mining, energy sectors, or First Nation consultation.
- Experience completing terrestrial ecosystem mapping projects in British Columbia according to provincial standards, guidelines, and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute terrestrial ecology and soil science field programs primarily in British Columbia, Alberta, and Northern Canada.
- Support the preparation of environmental effects assessments and associated management plans in compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial requirements.
- Develop environmental permitting applications for projects in the mining, energy, and infrastructure development sectors.
- Perform project delivery activities including survey field work, data collection, literature reviews, technical report writing, and development of client recommendations.
- Plan terrestrial ecosystem and soil mapping projects in support of baseline data collection programs.
- Develop effects assessments for vegetation, ecosystems, and soil valued components.
- Lead wetland classification, delineation, and management initiatives.
- Conduct field investigations related to vegetation, ecosystems, and soils.
- Develop mitigation, offset, and compensation planning strategies aligned with federal and provincial policies.
- Manage multiple projects while meeting scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
- Communicate effectively with subcontractors, regulatory agencies, landowners, Indigenous communities, and clients during project execution.
- Contribute to team leadership by mentoring junior professionals and supporting career development initiatives.
- Build strong collaborative relationships with ERM colleagues across Canada and globally.
- Participate in client engagement, regulatory discussions, and business development opportunities.
- Help advance ERM's ecosystem practice through technical excellence, innovation, and thought leadership.
For the Principal Technical Consultant, Terrestrial Ecology position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,800–$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.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.
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 nainquiries@erm.com.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
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