What is a Data Analyst at ERM?

At ERM, the Data Analyst role sits at the critical intersection of environmental science and strategic decision-making. As the world’s largest pure-play sustainability consultancy, ERM relies on data to help the world’s leading organizations navigate complex environmental, health, safety, and social challenges. You are not just processing numbers; you are translating environmental data into actionable insights that drive global sustainability efforts.

This position is vital because it supports both high-level consulting projects and field-based operations. Whether you are working as a Desktop Analyst supporting biological field surveys or a corporate analyst tracking carbon footprints, your work ensures that ERM provides scientifically grounded advice. You will often work with multi-disciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and project managers, to deliver data-driven solutions that have a direct impact on the planet’s future.

The role is both challenging and rewarding due to the sheer variety of data types you will encounter. From biodiversity metrics to regulatory compliance datasets, the complexity of ERM’s problem spaces requires an analyst who is not only technically proficient but also deeply curious about the environmental context behind the data.

Common Interview Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral questions focused on your work ethic and technical questions focused on your analytical process. The goal is to see how you handle the realities of data work in a professional services firm.

Technical and Analytical Process

These questions test your methodology and your ability to ensure data quality.

• "Describe your process for cleaning a large, messy dataset."
• "What tools do you prefer for data visualization and why?"
• "How do you ensure accuracy when working with multiple data sources?"
• "Tell me about a complex analytical problem you solved recently."

Behavioral and Soft Skills

ERM values commitment and the ability to work within a team structure.

• "Tell me about a time you had to meet a tight deadline with a large volume of data."
• "How do you prioritize your tasks when supporting multiple project managers?"
• "Describe a time you had to explain a technical concept to a non-technical colleague."
• "What interests you most about working in the environmental and sustainability sector?"

Domain and Case-Based Questions

These questions assess your ability to apply your skills to ERM's specific business.

• "How would you track and report on carbon emissions for a global client?"
• "What metrics would you prioritize for a biological field survey report?"
• "If a client provides incomplete data, how do you proceed with your analysis?"

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparing for an interview at ERM requires a dual focus on your technical toolkit and your ability to communicate complex findings to non-technical stakeholders. The firm values precision and scientific integrity, so your preparation should reflect an attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Technical Proficiency – Interviewers will evaluate your ability to handle large datasets using tools like Excel, SQL, or specialized environmental software. You should be prepared to demonstrate how you clean, manipulate, and visualize data to reveal underlying trends.

Communication and Reporting – Because ERM is a consultancy, your ability to write clearly is paramount. You will likely be tested on your ability to synthesize information into concise reports or "redação" (essays), demonstrating that you can communicate findings to clients effectively.

Problem-Solving and Domain Context – You will be assessed on how you approach ambiguous data challenges. Demonstrating an understanding of environmental regulations, sustainability frameworks, or biological data will significantly differentiate you from other candidates.

Cultural Alignment – ERM looks for individuals who are passionate about sustainability and can work collaboratively in a global, often remote or field-supported environment. Showing a commitment to the company's mission of "shaping a sustainable future" is essential.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Data Analyst at ERM is designed to be comprehensive, though it can vary significantly in pace depending on the region and specific team. Candidates should expect a process that prioritizes both technical competency and fit within the consulting ecosystem. While some candidates report a very straightforward path, others note a more rigorous series of assessments designed to test written and analytical skills.

Typically, the journey begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted by an internal recruiter or a specialized third-party agency. This is followed by a series of evaluations that often include a language or writing assessment, particularly for roles in non-English speaking regions. The final stages involve deep-dive conversations with technical managers and department heads to ensure you have the domain expertise required for their specific environmental projects.

The timeline above illustrates the standard progression from the initial application to the final offer. Candidates should use this to pace their preparation, focusing heavily on their portfolio and writing skills in the early stages before moving to technical and managerial discussions.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Technical Data Execution

This area focuses on your "hands-on" ability to manage data workflows. At ERM, this often involves transitioning raw field data or client spreadsheets into structured databases or visualization dashboards. Interviewers want to see that you are comfortable with data integrity and can identify anomalies in complex datasets.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Cleaning and Validation – Techniques for handling missing values, outliers, and inconsistent formatting in environmental datasets.
• Tool Mastery – Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas, PivotTables), SQL, and potentially GIS or Power BI.
• Automation – How you use scripts or tools to streamline repetitive reporting tasks.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk us through a time you identified a significant error in a dataset. How did you find it and what was the impact?"
• "How would you structure a database to track multiple environmental metrics across different global sites?"

Communication and Reporting

Consultancy requires the ability to turn data into a narrative. You will be evaluated on your written English (or local language) and your ability to draft technical summaries. This is often tested through a formal writing assessment or an essay during the interview stages.

Be ready to go over:

• Technical Writing – Summarizing complex data for a non-technical audience.
• Visualization Best Practices – Choosing the right charts and tables to convey specific insights.
• Stakeholder Management – Explaining data limitations or results to project managers and clients.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Write a brief summary of a data project you completed, focusing on the 'so what' for the client."
• "How do you handle a situation where the data contradicts a stakeholder's expectations?"

Domain Knowledge and Logic

Whether you are a Biologist - Desktop Analyst or a General Data Analyst, you need to understand the "why" behind the data. This involves logical reasoning and a basic grasp of the environmental or industrial contexts ERM operates in.

Be ready to go over:

• Environmental Context – Familiarity with sustainability metrics or biological survey methods.
• Logical Reasoning – Approaching a problem when you have incomplete information.
• Project Lifecycle – Understanding how data analysis fits into a larger consulting engagement.

Advanced concepts (less common):

• Spatial analysis and GIS integration.
• Predictive modeling for environmental impact.
• Regulatory reporting frameworks (e.g., ESG reporting standards).

Key Responsibilities

A Data Analyst at ERM handles a diverse range of responsibilities that bridge the gap between field data and client deliverables. Your day-to-day will involve collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from various sources to support environmental and sustainability projects. You will often act as a "Desktop Analyst," meaning you provide the analytical backbone for teams who may be out in the field.

Collaboration is a core part of the role. You will work closely with ERM consultants and project managers to understand client requirements and ensure that the data analysis aligns with project goals. This might involve creating automated reporting templates, maintaining internal databases, or performing quality control on large-scale environmental assessments.

Typical projects include biological monitoring reports, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) compliance tracking, and sustainability performance dashboards. You are responsible for ensuring that the data presented to clients is accurate, visually compelling, and legally defensible.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for a Data Analyst position at ERM, you need a blend of analytical rigor and communication skills. The firm values candidates who can demonstrate a track record of reliability and technical competence.

• Technical Skills – Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel is mandatory. Experience with SQL, Python, or R is highly preferred for more technical tracks. Familiarity with visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau is a significant advantage.
• Experience Level – Entry-level roles often require a degree in a relevant field (Science, Math, Data Science, or Environmental Studies). Mid-level roles typically look for 2–5 years of experience in an analytical or consulting environment.
• Soft Skills – Excellent written and verbal communication skills are non-negotiable. You must be able to work independently, manage your time across multiple projects, and maintain a high level of attention to detail under deadlines.

Must-have skills:

• Advanced Data Manipulation (Excel/SQL).
• Technical Writing and Reporting.
• Analytical Problem-Solving.

Nice-to-have skills:

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) experience.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations or ESG frameworks.
• Experience in a consulting or client-facing role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the interview process typically take at ERM? The process can be quite variable. Some candidates receive an offer within a few weeks, while others report a "moroso" (slow) process that can take several months. It is important to stay in touch with your recruiter and manage your expectations regarding the timeline.

Q: Is there a technical test for the Data Analyst role? Yes, most candidates undergo some form of assessment. This often includes a writing test (redação) to evaluate your reporting skills and a technical evaluation of your Excel or data manipulation abilities.

Q: What is the culture like for analysts at ERM? ERM has a professional, science-driven culture. Analysts are expected to be self-starters who are comfortable working in a collaborative, global environment. There is a strong emphasis on quality and scientific integrity.

Q: Does ERM offer remote work for Data Analysts? Many Data Analyst roles at ERM are hybrid or remote-friendly, especially "Desktop Analyst" positions. However, this depends on the specific team and the requirements of the projects you are supporting.

Other General Tips

• Highlight Your Writing: Since ERM is a consultancy, your ability to draft reports is just as important as your ability to run queries. Mention any experience you have with technical documentation or client reporting.
• Be Patient but Proactive: Some candidates have noted a lack of feedback during the process. If you haven't heard back within two weeks of an interview, a polite follow-up with the recruiter is appropriate.
• Understand the Mission: ERM is deeply committed to sustainability. Research their recent "Sustainability Report" and be prepared to discuss how your data skills can help them achieve their environmental goals.

Summary & Next Steps

The Data Analyst role at ERM offers a unique opportunity to apply your analytical skills to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From supporting biological field surveys to driving corporate sustainability initiatives, your work will provide the data-driven foundation that ERM's global clients rely on.

To succeed, focus your preparation on demonstrating a balance of technical execution and clear, professional communication. Show the interviewers that you are not just a "number cruncher," but a strategic thinker who understands the environmental context of your work. With a structured approach to your preparation and a clear understanding of ERM's mission, you are well-positioned to excel in the interview process.

The salary data provided represents the typical range for entry-to-mid-level analytical roles at ERM. When considering an offer, remember that compensation often includes a benefits package tailored to the specific region, and your placement within the range will depend on your technical expertise and prior experience in the environmental sector. You can find more detailed insights and community-sourced data on Dataford to help you navigate your career journey.