1

Environmental Policy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Policy Manager

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

... in-depth policy research that includes data analysis and preparing comprehensive reports ... If you thrive in environments where collaboration, critical analysis, and innovation intersect ...

Environmental Planner II

Duluth, MN · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

Contribute to environmental assessments, alternatives analysis, infrastructure and transportation planning, and policy research that supports long-term community and infrastructure resilience.

Environmental Planner II

Mankato, MN · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

Contribute to environmental assessments, alternatives analysis, infrastructure and transportation planning, and policy research that supports long-term community and infrastructure resilience.

Environmental Planner II

Fargo, ND · Hybrid

$75K - $106K/yr

Contribute to environmental assessments, alternatives analysis, infrastructure and transportation planning, and policy research that supports long-term community and infrastructure resilience.

Environmental Planner II

Oakdale, MN · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

Contribute to environmental assessments, alternatives analysis, infrastructure and transportation planning, and policy research that supports long-term community and infrastructure resilience.

Conduct policy research, analysis, and development to inform advocacy priorities and legislative ... environments, and online. The employee is required to work primarily in-person, in our UP offices ...

Showing results 41-60

Environmental Policy Research information

See salary details

$53.5K

$100.9K

$117K

How much do environmental policy research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental policy research in the United States is $100,949.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental policy research?

Environmental policy research involves studying and analyzing laws, regulations, and policies that impact the environment. Researchers in this field assess the effectiveness of existing environmental policies, explore potential improvements, and provide recommendations to policymakers. Their work often includes collecting data, evaluating environmental impacts, and collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, or academic institutions. The goal is to inform decision-making that promotes sustainable environmental management and protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental policy researcher?

To thrive as an Environmental Policy Researcher, you need a strong background in environmental science, policy analysis, and research methodologies, often supported by an advanced degree in environmental studies, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as R or SPSS), GIS systems, and experience interpreting regulatory frameworks are typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey findings and influence policy decisions. These competencies are vital for producing credible research that shapes sustainable policies and addresses complex environmental challenges.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in environmental policy research roles?

One of the most common challenges in Environmental Policy Research is balancing scientific rigor with the need for timely policy recommendations. Researchers often work with incomplete or evolving data while policymakers require actionable insights on tight deadlines. Additionally, translating complex research findings into clear, accessible language for diverse stakeholders can be demanding. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—including scientists, government officials, and advocacy groups—is essential, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

What is the difference between Environmental Policy Research vs Environmental Analyst?

AspectEnvironmental Policy ResearchEnvironmental Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in environmental policy, public policy, or related fieldsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, analysis, or related areas
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for developing policies, analyzing legislation, and strategic planningUsed for data collection, environmental assessments, and reporting

Environmental Policy Research focuses on analyzing and developing policies to address environmental issues, often involving in-depth research and policy analysis. Environmental Analysts typically conduct assessments, collect data, and support environmental compliance. While both roles require knowledge of environmental issues, Policy Researchers are more involved in strategic policy development, whereas Analysts focus on data-driven environmental evaluations.

More about Environmental Policy Research jobs

What cities are hiring for Environmental Policy Research jobs?

Cities with the most Environmental Policy Research job openings:

What states have the most Environmental Policy Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmental Policy Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Environmental Policy Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,949 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Public Policy Specialist - Energy and Environment (REMOTE role or Hybrid role based in Reston, Virgi

ICF International, Inc.

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

PUBLIC POLICY SPECIALIST - Energy and Environment
Are you interested in working on current and emerging energy and environmental policy issues? Do you want to apply your education and experience to help government agencies improve the way they develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs? Our Regulatory, Policy, and Economics portfolio has over 30 years of experience supporting the design, implementation, and improvement of Federal programs and is seeking a policy researcher to support clients like the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Join our multidisciplinary team of policy analysts, economists, attorneys, business analysts, scientists, and engineers. We combine legal, economic, engineering, and scientific research and analysis to solve unique public policy challenges through innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. Our dynamic work environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, supporting a wide range of clients, and providing a wide range of support services.
The position will be REMOTE or have the option to be located in our Reston, Virginia headquarters with hybrid schedule.
Ideal candidates will combine a detail-oriented approach and effective organizational capabilities, excellent verbal and interpersonal skills, and equally strong research, writing, and editing skills to work with our Federal clients to support their development and implementation of policies and programs.
What you'll do
  • Interact directly with clients within the EPA, DOI, and NRC, among other agencies
  • Assist in compiling, drafting, formatting, and editing documents related to Federal agency rulemakings
  • Synthesize information from rulemaking documents, literature, and other technical reports
  • Analyze and summarize public comments on proposed rules
  • Attend intra-agency meetings and working groups and support document clearance processes
  • Assess the costs and benefits of proposed regulations
  • Draft reports, manuals, guidance, and regulatory language
  • Immerse oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
  • Provide other technical and administrative support to clients, as requested

Minimum Requirements
  • Master's Degree in engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, natural or physical science, public policy, government, or related subjects.
  • Bachelor's degree plus at least 2 years relevant experience will be accepted
  • U.S. Citizenship is required per Federal contracts
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance

Professional skills we're looking for
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communications skills
  • Problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail and organization
  • Ability to prioritize assignments and exercise time management to work on multiple tasks under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), MS Teams and SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred qualifications:
  • Academic or work experience in policy research and analysis
  • Demonstrated experience with technical writing and editing
  • Regulatory research skills
  • Understanding of the Federal rulemaking process

#Indeed
#LI-CC1
#RPEJBS
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 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 candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - 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 position based on full-time employment is:
$60,967.00 - $103,643.00
Reston, VA (VA30)