Senior Biologist

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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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

Additional Skills & Experience

• 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.

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 <