Aquatic Permitting Specialist

ICF • San Diego, CA

11d • $73,770 - $125,408 • Hybrid

About The Position

Aquatic Permitting Specialist About Us At the Environment & Planning (E&P) Division, we are driven by our commitment to do what’s right—for our clients, our team, our communities, and the environment. Our diverse group includes planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a dedication to excellence. These qualities define our culture and fuel our growth. You’ll work alongside a skilled team of wildlife biologists, botanists, aquatic resource specialists, restoration ecologists, regulatory experts, environmental planners, and compliance specialists. This position is based in Southern California, with offices in San Diego, Irvine, and Los Angeles. Full-time remote work within Southern California is also an option. Although the range below is wider to accommodate growth within the job, this position will have a starting pay range of $75,000 to $95,000 based on % match of qualifications/experience/responsibilities, location, and other. Your Role We are seeking an Aquatic Permitting Specialist to join our Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Team. In this role, you will: Conduct aquatic resource delineations and conditional assessments using agency-approved methods. Assist with permit applications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Coastal Commission. Collaborate with our restoration team to draft mitigation documents. Support the biological team in consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in preparing technical documents.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience preparing permit applications and supporting documents under relevant regulations (Clean Water Act Sections 401/404, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, State Fish and Game Code Section 1600).
• At least 2 years of experience field work

Nice To Haves

• Experience identifying jurisdictional waters and wetlands, preparing delineation reports, and supporting CRAM assessments.
• Ability to collect, organize, and document field data for quality report preparation; strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, including preparing meeting materials.
• Solid understanding of aquatic resource regulations, regulatory review processes, and effective teamwork with agencies.
• Excellent communication abilities, professional ethics, adaptability to fast-paced environments, and proficiency in MS Office.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities, willing to travel (including overnight), and able to perform strenuous fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aquatic resource delineations and conditional assessments using agency-approved methods.
• Assist with permit applications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Coastal Commission.
• Collaborate with our restoration team to draft mitigation documents.
• Support the biological team in consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in preparing technical documents.

Benefits

• 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. Candidate AI Usage Policy 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level