Biologist / Field Lead
Remote – Texas
Preference for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio
ICF is growing in Texas, and we want you to join in our growth!
ICF's Texas environmental team (formerly Blanton & Associates) is seeking a motivated and experienced Biologist / Field Lead to join our team and lead field efforts conducting wetland delineations and biological surveys for infrastructure projects throughout Texas and the U.S.
Level: Biologist / Delineator / Field Lead
Focus: Desktop and field surveys, wetland delineations, technical writing and review for infrastructure projects (energy, water, transportation)
Territory: Texas primary + US support
Travel: range 30–60% (higher during spring/fall, lower during winter/summer)
Responsibilities: lead field teams, conduct surveys, author and review reports, mentor junior staff
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:
- Apply your technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to help solve our clients' toughest compliance challenges, involving Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and federal and state laws
- Lead and/or support teams of experts in project field efforts focused on biology and wetlands, including plant and wildlife habitat assessments, surveys, wetland delineations, and functional assessments
- Assess impacts and prepare technical reports and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404/10 permit applications and mitigation plans
- Explore a wide variety of project sites, terrain, and ecological landscapes
- Learn and hone your technical skills while discussing species and regulatory changes with other talented biologists and project managers
- Develop client relationships under experienced leaders who serve as trusted advisors for our long-time clients
- Mentor, train, and guide junior-level staff while receiving the same from senior experts to grow your own career
Basic Qualifications:
- BS in Biology, Natural Resource Sciences, Wetland Science, Wildlife, Ecology, Botany, Forest, Environmental Sciences, or a similar field
- Minimum 5+ years of experience leading or supporting wildlife habitat assessments and surveys, wetland delineations, environmental permitting related to WOTUS, or closely-related environmental field services
- Must be able to work independently in the field for extended periods of time, often with limited mobile phone reception
- Ability to travel to project sites, including overnight trips for up to a week at a time, with higher frequency in the spring and fall (Texas peak field seasons)
- Valid driver's license is required and ability to pass MVR check
Preferred Qualifications and Attributes:
- Demonstrated experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing skills and ability to QA/QC deliverables and provide feedback to staff
- Experience mobilizing and leading field efforts and conducting studies for renewable energy, transportation, water, and/or infrastructure clients
- Experience using GPS technologies
- Strong technical writing skills and demonstrated ability to prepare permits
- The team's local office is in Austin, TX, and due to the location of field work, local candidates are preferred
- Certification as a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) and/or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) a plus
- Experience mentoring and guiding junior staff
Why you will love working here:
- 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 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
If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for, please apply through the included link with a resume, optional cover letter and completed application. We look forward to hearing from you!
