Hybrid Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement – Indigenous Interests Assessment

at ERM

• Job title: Principal Consultant, Strategic Engagement – Indigenous Interests Assessment
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: CA$108,001 - CA$131,050 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Calgary, Canada

About the role

• Principal Consultant leading Indigenous engagement and strategic impact for ERM Canada. Influencing reconciliation initiatives and integrating Indigenous knowledge in environmental assessments.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic Indigenous engagement and consultation programs that influence major infrastructure, natural resource, and renewable energy projects.
• Lead Indigenous Interests Assessments and integrate Indigenous knowledge into environmental and social impact assessments.
• Advise clients and internal teams on culturally appropriate practices, regulatory frameworks, and reconciliation strategies.
• Mentor and inspire multidisciplinary teams while fostering collaboration with Indigenous Nations and stakeholders.
• Design and lead Indigenous engagement and consultation programs with clients, Indigenous Nations, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Conduct Indigenous Interests Assessments in compliance with Duty to Consult and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Support Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use studies, assess impacts on rights and interests, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Integrate Indigenous perspectives into environmental assessments and project design.
• Provide strategic regulatory leadership and prepare filings, engagement summaries, and technical reports.
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to internal capacity building.
• Participate in business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Maintain expertise through ongoing training and stay current on regulatory changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Indigenous Studies, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or Indigenous interests assessment
• Proven track record working with Indigenous Nations in BC and/or across Canada
• Expertise in regulatory frameworks, including BC Environmental Assessment Office or BC Energy Regulator guidelines
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and technical writing skills.
• 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 travel within Canada (approx. 10%)
• Preferred: 10+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, and/or Indigenous interests assessment
• Experience with Indigenous-led or co-developed assessment models
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement platforms (e.g., Jambo, NetBenefit, StakeTracker, Borealis)
• Knowledge of federal and other provincial/territorial regulations (Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• AD&D insurance
• 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP