Energy and Climate Researcher (Entry Level, Summer 2027, Hybrid)

Location: Arlington, VA (VA31); Reston, VA (VA30)

Energy and Climate Researcher

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 seeking an early-career Energy and Climate Researcher to support a broad portfolio of energy, climate, sustainability, resilience, and energy program consulting engagements. Researchers will contribute to projects involving energy and economic analyses, energy programs and technologies, procurement and planning, regulatory and policy support, greenhouse gas accounting, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainability strategy, and infrastructure-related challenges.

The successful candidate will work alongside multidisciplinary teams to conduct research, analyze data, develop technical deliverables, support stakeholder engagement activities, and communicate complex findings to clients and decision-makers. This role offers an opportunity to build strong consulting, analytical, and research skills while supporting federal, state, local, utility, commercial, and/or nonprofit clients addressing complex energy and climate challenges.

This is an entry-level position intended for candidates with 0-1 years of experience who are available to start during Summer 2027. The position will be based in ICF's Crystal City (Arlington, VA) office or Reston, VA headquarters with a hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office. Anticipated pay for this position is in the mid $60K range.

What You May Do

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on energy markets, energy programs, climate, resilience, sustainability, infrastructure, technologies, policies, and related topics by gathering, organizing, synthesizing, and evaluating information from technical reports, academic literature, government publications, databases, program records, and other sources.

Analyze large and complex datasets using spreadsheets, databases, statistical tools, and programming languages to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, develop insights, and support quantitative analyses, modeling, forecasting, greenhouse gas accounting, climate risk assessments, and resilience planning activities.

Develop reports, presentations, briefings, data visualizations, case studies, and other client-ready deliverables, translating technical, analytical, and policy information into clear and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

Support stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, outreach, communications, and program implementation activities while collaborating with project teams, clients, partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality project outcomes.

Assist with project coordination activities, including preparing meeting materials, tracking tasks, documenting decisions, and maintaining project information, while contributing to continuous improvement efforts, analytical tools, technology solutions, and research methodologies.

Basic Qualifications

By the start date, candidates must have a completed bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental studies, environmental policy, sustainability, engineering, earth and atmospheric sciences, economics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, operations research, data analytics, public policy, computer science, cybersecurity, communications, or any related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in energy, climate, sustainability, resilience, environmental, or economic topics.

Experience with Python for data analysis, visualization, and modeling (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Xarray preferred); familiarity with R and GIS is a plus.

Experience conducting research; synthesizing technical, scientific, analytical, or policy information; and processing climate, energy, environmental, or programmatic datasets to generate insights and recommendations.

Experience performing quantitative analyses using large datasets and tools such as Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis, data visualization, modeling, and decision support.

Familiarity with energy markets, energy economics, energy programs, clean energy technologies, greenhouse gas accounting, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainability practices, and related policies and regulations.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, quickly learn new subject matter and technologies, and leverage AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to support research and productivity.

Candidates Are Encouraged to Highlight any Experience(s) In

Energy and Climate: Energy markets, economics, modeling, policy, regulation, climate science, risk assessment, resilience, sustainability, clean energy, and decarbonization.

Technical and Analytical Skills: Greenhouse gas inventories, emissions reduction analysis, life-cycle analysis, quantitative analysis, programming, data visualization, and GIS applications.

Infrastructure and Program Delivery: Energy program implementation, infrastructure resilience and security, and applying technical solutions to complex challenges.

Communication and Collaboration: Client engagement, stakeholder outreach, multidisciplinary teamwork, and translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.

Project Management: Managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At ICF, you'll work alongside experts in energy, climate, sustainability, and public policy while helping clients address some of today's most pressing environmental and economic challenges. You'll have opportunities to develop consulting, analytics,