Senior Consultant—Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Specialist (Mid-Senior Level) at Environmental Resources Management Inc in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Job Description:

If you are a current/existing ERM Employee, please apply internally HERE.

ERM is seeking a Senior Consultant—Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Specialist to support the development of major capital projects, with a focus on renewable energy (onshore and offshore wind, solar generation, battery storage), electric transmission, and other developments that support the emerging low carbon economy transition (LCET) in North America and worldwide. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to socioeconomic, and/or environmental justice analyses of the impacts of renewable and conventional energy and electric transmission projects, as well as projects in other sectors. A broad range of experience on large-scale projects in these sectors is preferable. The location of the position is flexible with a preference for the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic regions.

In this role, you will contribute your leadership and technical consulting skills to support the growth of ERM’s global Impact Assessment & Planning (IAP) technical team to share multi-disciplinary resources and best practices across the industry. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid to senior professional looking to advance their career level with a global environmental leader.

The key responsibilities associated with the role will be:

• Conduct research into socioeconomic conditions (demographics, economy, employment, fiscal conditions, housing, land use, recreation, public services, social cohesion, and human rights) and the characteristics of environmental justice communities potentially affected areas


• Evaluate the impacts of LCET-related major capital projects on socioeconomic resources and environmental justice communities.


• Support the preparation of environmental planning and analysis documents for regulatory agencies, EAs/EISs and associated management plans in compliance with NEPA and state-equivalent processes.


• Lead the preparation of stand-alone socioeconomic and environmental justice impact assessments and similar analyses, as part of submittals to regulatory agencies.


• Monitor regulatory and administrative changes related to socioeconomics and environmental justice impact assessment, and give regular updates to the IAP team as appropriate.


• Participate in open house and public meetings for major capital projects.

The key requirements of the post will be:

• A degree in environmental policy, planning, geography, environmental studies, or related fields that give the candidate the necessary skills to complete the role.


• Minimum of 5-10 years of practical experience in environmental planning and environmental permitting, with a preference for experience with LCET projects.


• Experience in fulfilling similar functions or in a similar role.


• Strong technical writing and analytical skills, to identify and clearly communicate strengths and weaknesses of alternatives, conclusions, or approaches.


• Familiarity with the major state and federal agency regulations and guidelines regarding socioeconomics and environmental justice considerations.


• Solid grasp of the key impact assessment and management issues applicable to major capital projects, particularly in the renewable and conventional energy sector and other relevant sectors, as well as a high degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of impact assessment best practices.


• Excellent presentation and report writing skills and attention to detail.

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.

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 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.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Thank you for your interest in ERM!