Senior Biologist

ICF•San Francisco, CA

1d•$88,817 - $150,989•Onsite

About The Position

Senior Biologist - Aquatic Science Team Richmond, CA Lab At ICF’s Environment & Planning Division, we are dedicated to making a positive impact for our clients, our team, the communities we serve, and the environment. Our diverse group includes planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists. We foster a collaborative, inquisitive, and excellence-driven culture. If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and supportive environment—and want to work with a passionate team of industry professionals—we invite you to learn more about ICF (www.icf.com) and consider joining us. Position Overview The Fisheries & Aquatic Team is seeking a Senior Biologist with expertise in boating, scientific writing, and taxonomic identification of larval fish, zooplankton, and phytoplankton, especially within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Estuary. This role is based at our Richmond, California laboratory. What You’ll Do Lead research and monitoring projects in California’s freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, focusing on the Delta and San Francisco Estuary. Operate and maintain water-quality and fish-monitoring instruments, including boats ranging from 15’ to 25’. Handle all aspects of small boat operations, including trailering boats to marinas and service locations. Provide expert identification of special-status fish species and lower trophic organisms using light microscopy. Prepare technical memoranda and scientific reports summarizing identification results and findings. Ensure regulatory compliance, contributing to Federal and State ESA, CEQA, and NEPA documentation. Advance water resource management by conducting applied research and integrating policy recommendations into decision-making. Manage projects, delegate tasks to team members, and coordinate with other subject matter experts. Analyze data and apply statistical methods to support scientific conclusions. Participate in proposal development, project implementation, and manuscript submission for scientific investigations. Expect several hours of microscope work daily, weekly, or monthly, as required. Ready to Make an Impact? If you’re excited about contributing your expertise to vital aquatic research and management projects in California, and want to work with a collaborative team that values your skills and passion, apply today! 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. 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. About ICF ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, OR Master’s degree in aquatic biology plus 8 years of hands-on experience with fish and plankton fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
Valid California Boating ID card and experience operating small boats (MOCC certification).
Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicles Records (MVR) check
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven project management expertise.
Strong written communication and scientific writing skills.
Willingness to work extended hours on boats, sometimes in challenging conditions.
Experience with water quality instrumentation and calibration.
Ability to swim 50 yards in cold water.

Responsibilities

Lead research and monitoring projects in California’s freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, focusing on the Delta and San Francisco Estuary.
Operate and maintain water-quality and fish-monitoring instruments, including boats ranging from 15’ to 25’.
Handle all aspects of small boat operations, including trailering boats to marinas and service locations.
Provide expert identification of special-status fish species and lower trophic organisms using light microscopy.
Prepare technical memoranda and scientific reports summarizing identification results and findings.
Ensure regulatory compliance, contributing to Federal and State ESA, CEQA, and NEPA documentation.
Advance water resource management by conducting applied research and integrating policy recommendations into decision-making.
Manage projects, delegate tasks to team members, and coordinate with other subject matter experts.
Analyze data and apply statistical methods to support scientific conclusions.
Participate in proposal development, project implementation, and manuscript submission for scientific investigations.
Expect several hours of microscope work daily, weekly, or monthly, as required.