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Climate Change Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ramboll

Consultant, Climate Risk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$69K - $100K/yr

Are you motivated by creating sustainable change that benefits society and nature? If this sounds ... Conducting research, client interviews, and data analytics to assess opportunities to achieve ...

New

Climate Action Campaign

Grassroots Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$19/hr

... climate change and assist the fellow with their professional growth. This non-exempt position ... Light research and writing experience * Excellent communicator and self-starter * Experience in ...

Climate Action Campaign

Grassroots Fellow

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$19/hr

... climate change and assist the fellow with their professional growth. This non-exempt position ... Light research and writing experience * Excellent communicator and self-starter * Experience in ...

Climate Action Campaign

Grassroots Fellow

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$19/hr

... climate change and assist the fellow with their professional growth. This non-exempt position ... Light research and writing experience * Excellent communicator and self-starter * Experience in ...

World Bank

E T Consultant

Washington, DC · On-site

... research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more ... Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), provide climate ...

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All JobsClimate Change Researcher JobsClimate Change Researcher Jobs in Washington

Climate Change Researcher information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$128.1K

$186.3K

How much do climate change researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate change researcher in Washington is $128,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $174,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a climate change researcher do?

A Climate Change Researcher studies the causes, effects, and solutions related to climate change. Their work often involves collecting and analyzing data, modeling climate scenarios, and publishing findings to inform policy and public understanding. They may work in academic, governmental, or private research institutions, focusing on topics like greenhouse gas emissions, climate impact on ecosystems, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation. These professionals play a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and supporting efforts to address global climate challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climate change researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Change Researcher, you need a solid background in environmental science, climatology, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Expertise with data analysis software (like R or Python), climate modeling tools, and geographic information systems (GIS) is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and collaborative abilities are essential soft skills to convey findings and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing rigorous research that informs policy and solutions to address climate change challenges.

What are some common challenges climate change researchers face when conducting fieldwork or data collection?

Climate Change Researchers often encounter logistical and environmental challenges during fieldwork, such as accessing remote or hazardous locations, dealing with unpredictable weather, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data collection across diverse sites. Managing large datasets and integrating findings from various sources can also be demanding, requiring strong analytical and technical skills. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, policy experts, and local communities, is essential to address these challenges and ensure meaningful research outcomes.

What is the difference between Climate Change Researcher vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectClimate Change ResearcherEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Climate Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, field sites focused on climate dataResearch labs, government agencies, fieldwork on broader environmental issues
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, climate-focused NGOs, universitiesGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve environmental analysis, a Climate Change Researcher specializes in studying climate patterns and impacts, often focusing on global warming and climate models. An Environmental Scientist has a broader scope, addressing various environmental issues like pollution, conservation, and ecosystem health. Both careers require similar educational backgrounds and often work in research or policy environments, but their specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Climate Change Researcher jobs in Washington?

For Climate Change Researcher jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Climate Change Researcher jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Climate Change Researcher jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Climate Change Researcher jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Climate Change Researcher job openings:

Climate Change Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climate Change Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,099 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Managing Consultant, Climate Change and Sustainability

ICF International, Inc.

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

ICF Incorporated, LLC: Managing Consultant, Climate Change and Sustainability -Arlington, VA
DUTIES:
  • Develop emissions inventories & carbon footprints: develop or improve client current GHG emissions inventory or related quantification efforts; build Client facing & user-friendly tools that integrate activity data & quantification process to generate emissions results; & lead multiple lifecycle analyses consisting in quantifying GHG emissions tied to a facility, a product or a project, & broken down by life cycle stage, from material extraction to end-of-life.
  • Conduct greenhouse gas mitigation policy analyses: assess/review current/proposed federal or state regulations or policies related to greenhouse gas emissions mitigation; provide comments & recommendations based on literature review or analyses of data, on proposed rulemaking; develop technical analyses to support or document impact on GHG emissions for State-level policies & develop related-GHG emissions projections over time; assess & document additional costs or benefits of adopting GHG mitigation policies; provide recommendations on medium & long-term planning of GHG mitigation strategies based on insights from developed analyses; & plan, manage, & conduct technical studies related to air quality impact & mitigation assessment, GHG emissions inventory & mitigation development, climate action planning, health risk assessments, & noise impact & mitigation assessments for public agencies, private development projects, & public works projects; & assist clients with offset & carbon credit projects.
  • Support organizational sustainability: help Client assess their market options for carbon credits & offsets, based on their location, industry or field, & operations, & make recommendations on pathways forward to generate credits; help Clients gain comprehensive understanding of their Sustainability metrics, & set up their medium to long-term sustainability planning strategy, based on actionable & measurable steps; help client conduct their Materiality Assessment process, by identifying most applicable framework for their needs, develop their survey tool(s), conduct stakeholder engagement, compile results & build their Materiality matrix & other visuals/outputs illustrating insights for their Environmental, Social, & Governance planning; prepare for & have meetings with clients, stakeholders, & others; support clients in meetings & provide technical expertise; develop trainings for clients; & engage in communications with clients regarding deliverables.
  • Support federal, state, local, international, & private sector clients on analyses related to climate change impacts & vulnerabilities: prepare quantitative & qualitative analyses of policy proposals to support government rulemaking; provide technical input related to implementation of major policies, including Clean Air Act, Montreal Protocol, & Paris Agreement; engage with experts, stakeholders, & private industry members to support research & analytical tasks, & thoroughly document takeaways & insights from this engagement, & how it was used to influence outputs or analysis; & prepare technical reports based on literature search, technical analysis, & complementary stakeholder engagement.
  • Manage & analyze environmental performance data including GHGs, energy, water, & waste utility consumption & costs; benchmark performance; & monitor & interpret performance trends: develop dashboards, visuals or creative outputs for organizations to compile & track their data; evaluate impacts of GHG emissions, & other environmental indicators, over medium-to-long term periods; & assess metrics over which an organization can best track progress, including financial, social & environmental indicators. Act as a project manager for technically complex projects & deliverables & supervise technical support staff's work products.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sustainability or related field followed by 5 years of progressively responsible experience with sustainability management or consulting in public agencies.
Other required experience:
  • 4 years and 6 months of experience building optimized approaches to GHG emissions quantification, based on the Client or Organization's goals, available data, and/or constraints
  • 5 years of experience conducting technical studies related to air quality impact and mitigation assessment, greenhouse gas emissions inventory and mitigation development, climate action planning, health risk assessments, and noise impact and mitigation assessments for public agencies, private development projects, and public works project
  • 5 years of experience developing and presenting technical environmental analysis to technical and non-technical audiences
  • 2 years of experience with survey development
  • 2 years of experience with lifecycle assessments
  • Demonstrated knowledge of how GHG emissions are impacting the environment through their complex chemistry with the direct environment, and the importance of quantifying GHG emissions in an effort to mitigate them over time. Knowledge may be demonstrated through education, training and/or experience.

Any suitable combination of education, training and/or experience will be considered.
TELEWORK: Hybrid position; part time telecommuting.
TRAVEL: Up to 5% domestic travel
There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range for this $126,628.20 to $166,088.00/year
LOCATION: 2550 S. Clark St., 12th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202
ICF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. (EEO/AA - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities)
Position Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus Program.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
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 religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable 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 accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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