Senior Biologist, Regulatory Permitting (Permitting / CWA / ESA / NEPA)
Remote – Texas or nearby states
Preference for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio
Travel: typical range 10–30%
ICF is growing in Texas, and we want more leaders to share in this growth!
ICF is seeking a motivated and growth-focused Senior Biologist and Permitting Expert to provide strategic and expert guidance on technical approach and permitting solutions for clients across Texas and the U.S.
Level: Senior Biologist / Regulatory Expert
Focus: Permitting & compliance for infrastructure (energy, water, transportation)
Territory: Texas primary + US support
Travel: typical range 10–30%
Responsibilities: provide technical expertise for projects and proposals, advise clients, mentor and support junior staff, lead projects or technical tasks
Why work for ICF? You might be at an engineering firm with a culture built around licensed engineers. At ICF you are our raison d'être, a team of environmental experts prizing scientific rigor, regulatory insight, work-life balance, and a commitment to integrity. Or you might be at a government agency craving the fast pace of consulting. You will enjoy the diversity of work, entrepreneurial opportunities, and mission of building a more prosperous and resilient world. Whatever you seek, there is a reason so many of our people have stayed with ICF for over 20 years.
On our team, you will:
- Lead interdisciplinary teams in delivering technical field studies, analyses, and regulatory and permitting tasks, to help our clients get projects built fast and right
- Provide senior-level expertise and writing to support complex projects involving the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other federal and state laws
- Lead and participate in agency consultations to determine and advise on efficient and effective permitting strategies
- Collaborate with clients and industry experts—developers, engineers, planners, biologists, and technologists—to develop innovative solutions to achieve project compliance
- Mentor, train, and guide junior and mid-level staff
- Build and nurture client relationships, identify and develop opportunities, and contribute to winning proposals (scopes, budgets, and schedules)
- Think strategically to solve client challenges
- Apply your ingenuity and curiosity to tackle today’s challenges while positioning for tomorrow’s opportunities
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology/Ecology/Marine Sciences, or related fields
- 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting or applicable fields (industry, government, academia)
- Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning/permitting projects
- Experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in applicable fields (noted above)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong technical writing skills and ability to lead sections of projects, proposals, and QA/QC deliverables and provide feedback to staff
- Ability to travel to clients or projects in Texas in reasonable time and cost (e.g., you live in Texas or a nearby state, or near a major airport with easy access to major Texas hubs)
- Desire to lead, mentor, and train technical specialists
- Ability to develop and present clear solutions to complex problems to clients and regulators
- Business mindset with an eye toward client engagement and financial growth
Why you will love working here:
Our team values scientific rigor, respectful collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and productive creativity. We also work to support our team members’ professional growth. To this end, we will:
- Welcome you warmly to our team and value your knowledge and expertise as an environmental professional
- Seek to provide you with diverse experiences including new project types, peers, clients, and geographies
- Offer flexible work arrangements and support work-life balance to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of the role
- Connect you with other leaders and technical experts in Texas and across ICF to share innovative ideas, provide expert solutions, and to help you learn and grow
- Support career development to sharpen your business and project management skills, hone your expertise, and accelerate your growth
- Invest in you with generous programs, such as health coverage, tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and charitable donation matching
- Strong opportunities for growth into local business leadership with demonstrated capabilities and success
- Offer an exciting opportunity to be part of something important, working with integrity on projects that matter, and making a difference in the communities in which we live
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$81,499.00 - $138,549.00Texas Remote Office (TX99)Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Marine Sciences, or a related field
- 10 or more years of experience in environmental consulting or applicable industry, government, or academic fields
- Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning and permitting projects
- Experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas
- Master's degree in an applicable field
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing and leading project, proposal, and QA/QC deliverables
- Ability to travel to clients or projects in Texas within reasonable time and cost
- Ability and desire to lead, mentor, and train technical specialists
- Ability to develop and present solutions to complex problems for clients and regulators
- Business mindset focused on client engagement and financial growth
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan choices (UHC PPO/HDHP and Kaiser in some areas) come with employer HSA/HRA funding and wellness incentives, with dental and vision included. Mental-health access is emphasized via Modern Health, offering up to 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-building resources include Maven support on UHC plans, $10,000 lifetime fertility/surrogacy reimbursement, and $5,000 for adoption, milk-shipping, and clinician-led programs. Caregiver and 24/7 resources are also available through the EAP.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 5% discount is broadly available and regularly highlighted in postings. This adds a straightforward path for employees to build ownership alongside salary and benefits.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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