Energy and Climate Researcher (Entry Level, Summer 2027, Hybrid)

ICF • Arlington, VA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

ICF is seeking an early-career Energy and Climate Researcher to support consulting engagements across energy, climate, sustainability, resilience, and energy programs. The role contributes to energy and economic analyses; energy programs and technologies; procurement and planning; regulatory and policy support; greenhouse gas accounting; climate adaptation and resilience; sustainability strategy; and infrastructure-related work. The researcher works with multidisciplinary teams to conduct research, analyze data, develop technical deliverables, support stakeholder engagement, and communicate findings to clients and decision-makers. The position offers an opportunity to develop consulting, analytical, and research skills while supporting federal, state, local, utility, commercial, and nonprofit clients. It is an entry-level position for candidates with 0–1 years of experience who can start during Summer 2027. The position is based in ICF’s Crystal City (Arlington, VA) office or Reston, VA headquarters, with a hybrid arrangement requiring at least two days per week in the office. The posting describes anticipated pay as in the mid-$60K range and lists a full-time pay range of $60,967–$103,643 for Arlington, VA.

The role involves qualitative and quantitative research, analysis of complex datasets, and preparation of client-ready reports, presentations, briefings, visualizations, and case studies. The researcher also supports stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, outreach, communications, program implementation, and project coordination. Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree in a listed or related field by the start date. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF.

Requirements

• By the start date, have a completed bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, environmental policy, sustainability, engineering, earth and atmospheric sciences, economics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, operations research, data analytics, public policy, computer science, cybersecurity, communications, or a related field.
• Be available to start during Summer 2027.
• Have 0–1 years of experience; this is an entry-level position.
• Be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in energy, climate, sustainability, resilience, environmental, or economic topics.
• Experience with Python for data analysis, visualization, and modeling; NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Xarray are preferred. Familiarity with R and GIS is a plus.
• Experience conducting research, synthesizing technical, scientific, analytical, or policy information, and processing climate, energy, environmental, or programmatic datasets to generate insights and recommendations.
• Experience performing quantitative analyses using large datasets and tools such as Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis, data visualization, modeling, and decision support.
• Familiarity with energy markets, energy economics, energy programs, clean energy technologies, greenhouse gas accounting, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainability practices, and related policies and regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, quickly learn new subject matter and technologies, and use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to support research and productivity.
• Relevant experience in energy markets, economics, modeling, policy, regulation, climate science, risk assessment, resilience, sustainability, clean energy, or decarbonization.
• Relevant technical and analytical skills in greenhouse gas inventories, emissions reduction analysis, life-cycle analysis, quantitative analysis, programming, data visualization, or GIS applications.
• Experience with energy program implementation, infrastructure resilience and security, or applying technical solutions to complex challenges.
• Experience with client engagement, stakeholder outreach, multidisciplinary teamwork, translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, or managing priorities and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on energy markets, programs, climate, resilience, sustainability, infrastructure, technologies, policies, and related topics using technical reports, academic literature, government publications, databases, program records, and other sources.
• Analyze large and complex datasets using spreadsheets, databases, statistical tools, and programming languages to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and support quantitative analyses, modeling, forecasting, greenhouse gas accounting, climate risk assessments, and resilience planning.
• Develop reports, presentations, briefings, data visualizations, case studies, and other client-ready deliverables that explain technical, analytical, and policy information to diverse audiences.
• Support stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, outreach, communications, and program implementation activities in collaboration with project teams, clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Assist with project coordination, including preparing meeting materials, tracking tasks, documenting decisions, and maintaining project information.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts, analytical tools, technology solutions, and research methodologies.

What This Job Offers

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