Public Policy Researcher (Remote or Reston, VA)

Are you interested in working on current and emerging workforce development and transportation 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 and recent college graduate to join them.

This full-time position will be focused on supporting the Department of Labor (DOL) the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies on public policy-related issues and programs. This position is available immediately and can be filled either as a fully remote position or as a position primarily located in Reston VA (i.e. in the DC Metro area) with flexibility for telework considered.

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 youll do

• Interact directly with clients within the DOL and DOT 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
• Assist with efforts to draft route and track the assignment of tasks and correspondence among Federal team members and project staff
• Provide Microsoft (MS) SharePoint site management support for Federal clients
• Attend intra-agency meetings and working groups and support document clearance processes
• Provide verbal and written progress updates to clients and project staff
• Provide other technical and administrative support to clients as requested

What youll need

• Bachelors degree in public policy government environmental science natural or physical science political science or related subjects plus 0-2 years of relevant work experience
• U.S. Citizenship is required per Federal contracts
• Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance

Professional skills were 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) and in the use of one or more general AI assistants (e.g. MS Copilot Gemini Claude ChatGPT)

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

Working at ICF

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: