Senior FERC Regulatory Specialist; Hydropower

Position Summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior FERC Regulatory Specialist with demonstrated success managing FERC licensing and hydropower administration. The successful candidate will manage and/or assist with completing federal, state, and local permitting and licensing efforts for dam and hydropower projects, including regulatory strategy, agency coordination, FERC licensing support, environmental review, and technical documentation. This position requires knowledge of dam and hydropower regulatory frameworks, including permitting, licensing, environmental review, and stakeholder coordination, to support energy, infrastructure, and water resource projects.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible opportunity that can be based anywhere in the U.S. The anticipated annual salary is between $172,500 and $207,000, depending upon qualifications and experience, and the position is bonus eligible. Occasional travel may be required based on project needs.

• Support and manage FERC relicensing, license implementation, license amendments, surrender applications, dam removal permitting, and post‑license compliance activities.
• Manage or assist with dam and hydropower permitting and licensing projects, including FERC licensing and compliance, dam safety permitting, environmental review, agency coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams throughout the project lifecycle, from project initiation through closeout.
• Prepare permit applications, licensing documents, technical reports, compliance plans, annual compliance filings, regulatory correspondence, and supporting documentation for dam and hydropower projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, including FERC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribal Nations, state natural resource agencies, and local governments.
• Schedule and participate in agency, stakeholder, and public meetings, including preparation of meeting materials, agendas, presentations, and follow‑up documentation.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and attention to deadlines.
• Serve as a mentor to junior staff, promoting knowledge sharing, best practices, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in environmental science, engineering, natural resources, planning, biology, hydrology, water resources, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in dam, hydropower, environmental permitting, licensing, or related consulting.
• Demonstrated experience with FERC licensing, relicensing, compliance, or dam safety permitting.
• Experience supporting NEPA, ESA, Section 401/404 permitting, Section 106 consultation, or similar state and federal environmental review processes preferred.
• Experience supporting hydropower, dam rehabilitation, dam removal, water resource, or other energy infrastructure projects preferred.
• Knowledge of FERC Integrated Licensing Process (ILP), Traditional Licensing Process (TLP), Alternative Licensing Process (ALP), Conduit/10 MW Exemptions, or related regulatory frameworks preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in technical writing, including preparation of clear and accurate documentation, reports, compliance filings, and permit applications.
• Experience supporting and developing proposals, including content creation, scope development, budgeting, and coordination.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government regulations, technical procedures, construction drawings, engineering plans, and environmental data.
• Ability to effectively manage technical work by others, including junior staff and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Highly effective multitasker with strong organizational and schedule management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong team‑player and team builder.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for project meetings, stakeholder engagement, agency coordination, and field work.

Remote, in‑office, or hybrid work arrangements are available. All full‑time employees receive four weeks of paid vacation and ten paid holidays, in addition to comprehensive benefits and compensation packages. The company also supports annual career‑related training for professional development.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability‑related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.