Principal Transportation & Energy Consultant (Port & Maritime Decarbonization)

ICF•San Diego, CA

10d•$98,187 - $166,919•Remote

About The Position

ICF is seeking a Principal Transportation and Energy Consultant with specialized expertise in port and maritime decarbonization. The successful candidate will lead projects focused on port electrification, clean energy infrastructure, alternative marine fuels, and air quality improvements across maritime and freight transportation systems. This role requires a strong understanding of port operations, energy systems, and the technical and operational challenges associated with transitioning ports toward low- and zero-emission operations. The consultant will support the development and implementation of strategies related to zero-emission cargo handling equipment, drayage truck charging infrastructure, shore power systems, battery storage, microgrids, and clean marine fuel deployment. Responsibilities include conducting electrification and clean fuel feasibility assessments, evaluating utility and grid capacity constraints, and developing integrated energy strategies that align decarbonization goals with operational and infrastructure realities at ports and terminals. A key aspect of the role is helping port clients navigate the intersection of transportation, energy, and infrastructure planning. The successful candidate will understand how different departments within port agencies operate and collaborate and will be able to effectively engage with port leadership, terminal operators, utilities, regulators, and industry stakeholders. The position also involves identifying funding opportunities and supporting clients in securing local, state, and federal grants and incentives for clean transportation and energy projects. Additional responsibilities include emissions analysis, development of decarbonization roadmaps, evaluation of emerging technologies and regulatory requirements, report writing, presentations, and support for business development activities. The consultant will also mentor junior staff and lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering technically sound and implementation-focused solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of maritime logistics, port infrastructure, transportation electrification, and clean energy systems, along with strong communication and client management skills. Candidates should have experience developing practical, financially viable strategies that improve environmental performance while supporting reliable and efficient port operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in transportation, environmental studies, energy, public policy, or a similar field.
8+ years of experience in clean transportation.
Experience working as an employee of or consultant to a major U.S. seaport.
Foundational knowledge in transportation electrification, including vehicle technologies and charging infrastructure, and other clean transportation fuels.
Foundational knowledge in the breadth of strategies for reducing transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work under tight deadlines.
Flexibility and sound business ethics.

Nice To Haves

Deep knowledge of maritime logistics, port infrastructure, transportation electrification, and clean energy systems.
Strong communication and client management skills.
Experience developing practical, financially viable strategies that improve environmental performance while supporting reliable and efficient port operations.

Responsibilities

Lead projects focused on port electrification, clean energy infrastructure, alternative marine fuels, and air quality improvements.
Support the development and implementation of strategies related to zero-emission cargo handling equipment, drayage truck charging infrastructure, shore power systems, battery storage, microgrids, and clean marine fuel deployment.
Conduct electrification and clean fuel feasibility assessments.
Evaluate utility and grid capacity constraints.
Develop integrated energy strategies that align decarbonization goals with operational and infrastructure realities at ports and terminals.
Help port clients navigate the intersection of transportation, energy, and infrastructure planning.
Engage with port leadership, terminal operators, utilities, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
Identify funding opportunities and support clients in securing local, state, and federal grants and incentives.
Perform emissions analysis.
Develop decarbonization roadmaps.
Evaluate emerging technologies and regulatory requirements.
Write reports and deliver presentations.
Support business development activities.
Mentor junior staff and lead multidisciplinary teams.