Senior Wetland Biologist

ICF; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 67,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF seeks a Senior Wetland Biologist / Field Lead to direct field surveys, delineations, and regulatory reporting across Texas and the U.S. You will lead field teams, mentor staff, and develop technical reports while traveling up to 60% of the year.

This role combines field work with project leadership on energy, water, and transportation projects, requiring strong regulatory knowledge and clear technical writing.

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 along with the ability to pass an MVR check.

Responsibilities

• Lead field teams
• Conduct surveys
• Author and review reports
• Mentor junior staff

Skills

Field leadership

Technical writing

Regulatory knowledge

Education

BS in Biology, Natural Resource Sciences, Wetland Science, Wildlife, Ecology, Botany, Forest, Environmental Sciences, or a similar field

Tools

GPS technologies

Job description

Senior Wetland 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-based environmental team is seeking a motivated and experienced Wetland 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.

Field Lead / Wetland Biologist / Lead Delineator

Focus: Desktop and field surveys, wetland delineations, technical writing and review for infrastructure projects (energy, water, transportation).

Territory: Texas primary + U.S. 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 along with the ability to pass an 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

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 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.

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. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

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. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

$67,355.00 - $114,503.00 Texas Field Office (TX66)