Senior Biologist - Regulatory Permitting

ICF•Austin, TX

22h•Remote

About The Position

ICF is seeking a motivated, growth-focused Senior Biologist and permitting expert to provide strategic technical guidance and permitting solutions for clients across Texas and the United States. The role focuses on permitting and compliance for infrastructure projects in the energy, water, and transportation sectors. Texas is the primary territory, with support for projects elsewhere in the U.S. The position is remote for candidates in Texas or nearby states, with preference for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio. Typical travel is 10–30%. The Senior Biologist leads interdisciplinary teams and project or technical tasks, provides senior-level expertise and writing for complex regulatory projects, participates in agency consultations, and advises clients on permitting strategies. The role also involves mentoring staff, developing client relationships and business opportunities, and contributing to proposals. The position supports work involving the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other federal and state laws. ICF describes a collaborative, growth-oriented environment emphasizing scientific rigor, respectful collaboration, intellectual curiosity, work-life balance, integrity, and professional development. The stated full-time pay range is $81,499–$138,549, with final pay determined by factors including experience, skills, location, and education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Marine Sciences, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in environmental consulting or applicable fields such as industry, government, or academia.
Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning and permitting projects.
Experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas.
Ability to travel to clients or projects in Texas in reasonable time and cost.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in an applicable field.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong technical writing skills.
Ability to lead sections of projects and proposals, support QA/QC deliverables, and provide feedback to staff.
Desire to lead, mentor, and train technical specialists.
Ability to develop and present clear solutions to complex problems to clients and regulators.
Business mindset focused on client engagement and financial growth.
Residence in Texas or a nearby state, or near a major airport with convenient access to major Texas hubs.

Responsibilities

Lead interdisciplinary teams delivering technical field studies, analyses, regulatory work, and permitting tasks.
Provide senior-level expertise and writing for 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 effective permitting strategies.
Collaborate with clients and industry experts, including developers, engineers, planners, biologists, and technologists, to develop project-compliance solutions.
Mentor, train, and guide junior and mid-level staff.
Build and nurture client relationships, identify and develop opportunities, and contribute to proposals, including scopes, budgets, and schedules.
Apply strategic thinking to solve client challenges.
Provide technical expertise for projects and proposals and lead projects or technical tasks.
Develop and deliver environmental planning and permitting projects.
Travel to clients or projects in Texas as needed.