Senior Biologist - Regulatory Permitting

Finance & Legal

ICF International is hiring a Senior Biologist - Regulatory Permitting in Austin, Texas. Posted 16 October 2026. Apply directly on ICF International's own careers site — no account needed.

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Senior Biologist, Regulatory Permitting (Permitting / CWA / ESA / NEPA)

Remote – Texas or nearby states

Preference for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio

Travel: typical range 10–30%

ICF is growing in Texas, and we want more leaders to share in this growth!

ICF is seeking a motivated and growth-focused Senior Biologist and Permitting Expert to provide strategic and expert guidance on technical approach and permitting solutions for clients across Texas and the U.S.

Level: Senior Biologist / Regulatory Expert

Focus: Permitting & compliance for infrastructure (energy, water, transportation)

Territory: Texas primary + US support

Travel: typical range 10–30%

Responsibilities: provide technical expertise for projects and proposals, advise clients, mentor and support junior staff, lead projects or technical tasks

Why work for ICF? You might be at an engineering firm with a culture built around licensed engineers. At ICF you are our raison d'être, a team of environmental experts prizing scientific rigor, regulatory insight, work-life balance, and a commitment to integrity. Or you might be at a government agency craving the fast pace of consulting. You will enjoy the diversity of work, entrepreneurial opportunities, and mission of building a more prosperous and resilient world. Whatever you seek, there is a reason so many of our people have stayed with ICF for over 20 years.

On our team, you will:

Lead interdisciplinary teams in delivering technical field studies, analyses, and regulatory and permitting tasks, to help our clients get projects built fast and right
Provide senior-level expertise and writing to support 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 efficient and effective permitting strategies
Collaborate with clients and industry experts—developers, engineers, planners, biologists, and technologists—to develop innovative solutions to achieve project compliance
Mentor, train, and guide junior and mid-level staff
Build and nurture client relationships, identify and develop opportunities, and contribute to winning proposals (scopes, budgets, and schedules)
Think strategically to solve client challenges
Apply your ingenuity and curiosity to tackle today’s challenges while positioning for tomorrow’s opportunities

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology/Ecology/Marine Sciences, or related fields
10+ years of experience in environmental consulting or applicable fields (industry, government, academia)
Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning/permitting projects
Experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in applicable fields (noted above)
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong technical writing skills and ability to lead sections of projects, proposals, and QA/QC deliverables and provide feedback to staff
Ability to travel to clients or projects in Texas in reasonable time and cost (e.g., you live in Texas or a nearby state, or near a major airport with easy access to major Texas hubs)
Desire to lead, mentor, and train technical specialists
Ability to develop and present clear solutions to complex problems to clients and regulators
Business mindset with an eye toward client engagement and financial growth

Why you will love working here:

Our team values scientific rigor, respectful collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and productive creativity. We also work to support our team members’ professional growth. To this end, we will:

Welcome you warmly to our team and value your knowledge and expertise as an environmental professional
Seek to provide you with diverse experiences including new project types, peers, clients, and geographies
Offer flexible work arrangements and support work-life balance to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of the role
Connect you with other leaders and technical experts in Texas and across ICF to share innovative ideas, provide expert solutions, and to help you learn and grow
Support career development to sharpen your business and project management skills, hone your expertise, and accelerate your growth
Invest in you with generous programs, such as health coverage, tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and charitable donation matching
Strong opportunities for growth into local business leadership with demonstrated capabilities and success
Offer an exciting opportunity to be part of something important, working with integrity on projects that matter, and making a difference in the communities in which we live

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.

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 Candidateaccommodation@icf.com 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 candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$81,499.00 - $138,549.00

Texas Remote Office (TX99)

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