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Renewable Energy Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$125.96K - $160.91K/yr

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Development Are you ready to shape the next era of clean energy? At ERM , we're not just permitting projects-we're driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$125.96K - $160.91K/yr

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Development Are you ready to shape the next era of clean energy? At ERM , we're not just permitting projects-we're driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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Renewable Energy Development information

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$37K

$94K

$158.5K

How much do renewable energy development jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for renewable energy development in the United States is $94,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Renewable Energy Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Renewable Energy Development, you need a strong background in engineering, project management, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as PMP or LEED. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, GIS, and energy modeling tools is commonly required, along with knowledge of regulatory compliance systems. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help professionals navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure successful project execution, regulatory adherence, and the ability to drive sustainable energy solutions.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in renewable energy development, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in renewable energy development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting processes, securing project financing, and managing stakeholder expectations. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with regulatory agencies, employing financial modeling and risk assessment, and maintaining transparent communication with community members and partners. Success in this role requires adaptability, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What is renewable energy development?

Renewable energy development refers to the process of planning, designing, financing, constructing, and operating projects that generate energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Professionals in this field work to bring clean energy projects from concept to reality, often navigating regulatory, environmental, and financial challenges. The goal is to increase the use of sustainable energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

What is the difference between Renewable Energy Development vs Renewable Energy Project Management?

AspectRenewable Energy DevelopmentRenewable Energy Project Management
CredentialsEngineering, environmental science, or related degrees; certifications like PMP or PMI-ACP beneficialProject management certifications (PMP), engineering or technical background often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site assessments, feasibility studies, collaboration with engineers and stakeholdersOffice-based planning, scheduling, overseeing project execution, coordinating teams
Employer & Industry UsageRenewable energy firms, developers, consulting companiesProject owners, developers, EPC contractors within renewable energy sector

Renewable Energy Development focuses on identifying, planning, and designing new renewable energy projects, including site assessment and permitting. Renewable Energy Project Management involves overseeing the execution, scheduling, and completion of these projects. Both roles are essential and often collaborate but differ mainly in their focus on planning versus execution.

More about Renewable Energy Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Renewable Energy Development jobs? Cities with the most Renewable Energy Development job openings:
What states have the most Renewable Energy Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Renewable Energy Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Renewable Energy Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,036 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power

ERM

Cleveland, OH โ€ข On-site

$125.96K - $160.91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Lead the Future of Renewable Energy Development

Are you ready to shape the next era of clean energy? At ERM, we're not just permitting projects-we're driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power, you'll play a strategic role in guiding environmental impact assessments and permitting for some of the Midwest's most transformative renewable energy projects. From solar farms to battery storage systems and energy transmission infrastructure, your expertise will help accelerate sustainable progress across the U.S.

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a consulting position-it's a leadership opportunity to influence how renewable energy projects are planned, permitted, and delivered. You'll be at the forefront of environmental stewardship, ensuring compliance while enabling innovation. Your work will directly support ERM's mission to help businesses thrive sustainably and meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions.

What Your Impact Is

  • Drive permitting strategies for large-scale renewable energy and technology infrastructure projects.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality environmental studies and compliance solutions.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, shaping projects that balance development and environmental responsibility.
  • Expand ERM's market presence through your expertise and network, contributing to our growth in the power sector.

What You'll Bring

Required

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in environmental studies, planning, geography, or related field; or 8+ years equivalent experience.
  • 6+ years of project management and permitting experience (Preferred: 8+ years), ideally in the power sector.
  • Proven experience with federal, state, and local permitting, including preparation of local permit applications for renewable energy projects.
  • Strong technical writing and analytical skills; ability to present findings to clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
  • 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.
  • Willingness to travel (approx. 25%).

Preferred

  • Expertise in local land use permitting processes, including Conditional or Special Use Permits.
  • Familiarity with requirements from municipalities and counties (e.g., buffer widths, vegetative screening, noise analyses, water quality monitoring, stormwater review criteria).
  • Experience optimizing project layouts based on local permitting requirements.
  • GIS proficiency and ability to interpret maps and environmental data.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage complex permitting and compliance efforts for renewable energy and tech sector projects.
  • Oversee preparation of permitting documents, environmental reviews, and discipline-specific reports (biological, cultural, noise, decommissioning plans, etc.).
  • Serve as project manager, task manager, technical expert, and QA/QC reviewer for deliverables.
  • Develop permitting strategies, conduct due diligence, and ensure quality control across all impact assessment deliverables.
  • Prepare technical proposals and support business development initiatives to grow ERM's renewable energy portfolio.
  • Interface with clients, lead meetings, and provide strategic insights to optimize project implementation.
  • Collaborate with ERM's global technical teams to share best practices and deliver innovative solutions.

Ready to lead the charge toward a sustainable future? Join ERM and make an impact that matters-regionally, nationally, and globally.

For the Principal Consultant, Renewable Energy/Power position, the anticipated annual base pay is $125,963 - $160,905 (USD). 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 (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, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note:Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

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 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!

#LI-Hybrid


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About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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