Energy and Climate Researcher

ICF International; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF International in Arlington, VA or New York, NY, is hiring an entry-level researcher to assist with energy and climate analyses, data modeling, and report writing. The role blends quantitative analysis with narrative communication for clients, and involves engaging with stakeholders and supporting sustainability planning efforts.

The position focuses on data-driven insights, statistical analysis, visualization, and policy-relevant storytelling.

Qualifications

• By start date, a completed Bachelor's degree in Environmental Data Science, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental or Energy Engineering, Economics, Chemistry, Math, Statistics, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Operations Research, or similarly related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research, data analysis, technical reviews, and report writing.
• Support engagement-related activities for energy and climate planning consulting.
• Perform quantitative analyses, data visualization, and modeling to synthesize research findings.
• Translate quantitative results into clear report or presentation narratives.

Skills

Python

R

Excel

Data visualization

Communication

AI tools

Programming

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Data Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Word

PowerPoint

Canva

Job description

ICF is at the forefront of preparing leading-edge analyses and plans that advance reliable, resilient, clean and affordable energy and economy-wide solutions to critical climate and energy challenges. We work closely with our clients to move into action and implement policy, program, and technical solutions.

ICF is hiring a researcher to assist with research, data analysis, technical reviews, report writing, and engagement-related activities to support our energy and climate planning consulting practice.

This position will focus on energy and economic analyses, procurement and planning; regulatory and policy support; greenhouse gas accounting and management; infrastructure climate risk and resilience; and supporting various clients with sustainability goal setting and performance management.

This position will have a focus on quantitative analyses and synthesizing research and data through statistical analyses, data visualization, and modeling.

This position will also require the ability to communicate and translate quantitative results into a report or presentation narrative.

This is an entry-level position, intended for candidates who have 0-1 years of experience and are available to start working during Fall 2026.

This position will be based in Arlington, VA or New York, NY, with a hybrid work arrangement (i.e., minimum 2 days in the office; the other days may be remote or in the office).

The anticipated salary for this position is in the mid $60k range.

Basic qualifications:

• By start date, a completed Bachelor's degree in Environmental Data Science, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental or Energy Engineering, Economics, Chemistry, Math, Statistics, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Operations Research, or similarly related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in energy, economic, climate, resilience, or sustainability topics.
• Comfort performing quantitative analyses as well as with managing and analyzing large datasets.
• Comfort working with quantitative data analysis tools, particularly Python, Microsoft Excel, R, and/or GIS for advanced statistical analysis, data visualization, and modeling.
• Comfort working in Word, PowerPoint, Canva and other tools to communicate and present information.
• The ability to use research and data to help "tell a story" and provide salient information with which our clients can make decisions.
• Strong writing skills and a demonstrated ability to clearly and professionally communicate with both a technical and non-technical audience.
• Comfort reading, interpreting, and presenting technical and analytical information.
• Familiarity with energy markets and economics, climate adaptation and resilience, and/or sustainability practices, policies, and regulations.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to use AI tools (e.g., CoPilot, ChatGPT) for research and task efficiencies.

Candidates are encouraged to highlight, in their resume , any experience with the following:

• Energy markets, economics, and modeling
• Climate resilience and sustainability planning
• Energy, water, and/or transportation infrastructure
• Energy and environmental policies and regulations
• Programming experience
• Familiarity with relevant industry standard protocols and methods and tools
• Clean energy and decarbonization topics
• Client or community engagement
• Experience communicating complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams with diverse expertiseAbility to manage multiple priorities and proactively manage time

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.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations

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 [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist.

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