Environmental Specialist (Hydropower & Fish Passage

Background

The Environmental Specialist provides support for the fish passage and hydropower program. This work requires professional knowledge of diadromous fish behavior and habitats, as well as fish passage requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Power Act.

Work will be performed at the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930). This position is duty‑stationed in Gloucester, MA and is not a remote position. Telework (work from home) will be allowed; however, the Environmental Specialist is expected to reside within commuting distance of the office. Work is full‑time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday).

This position is funded on an annual basis and is expected to continue for at least one year, with the potential for multi‑year extension based on project needs and continued funding. During workdays, candidates must be able to respond to communications within 24 hours and participate in calls and meetings as needed during normal business hours. Some travel is required and may include as many as 10 days per year.

June 8, 2026. Start date is contingent upon successful completion of required security processing.

• Rate: $39.26/hour
• Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401k with employer match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company‑observed holidays.

• Reviewing hydropower license applications, study plans, and environmental analyses for priority projects and assessing compliance with applicable regulations and conservation objectives;
• Evaluating project documentation and providing technical recommendations to support the protection and recovery of NOAA trust resources;
• Conducting literature reviews and synthesizing scientific information to inform project evaluations;
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing complex datasets, including identifying trends and ensuring data quality;
• Maintaining project records, including subscribing to and tracking FERC dockets, organizing filings, and managing electronic record systems;
• Supporting geospatial and data visualization efforts to characterize project impacts and environmental conditions;
• Conducting and documenting site visits and field observations, as needed;
• Preparing clear, concise technical documents, including correspondence, reports, and formal reviews;
• Providing recommendations to HESD on issues related to hydropower development and diadromous fish conservation;
• Participating in meetings, technical discussions, and site visits with federal staff and external stakeholders; and
• Delivering written and oral presentations to a range of professional audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in water resources, natural resources, environmental science, fisheries, biology, or a related field;
• Minimum of three to five (3--5) years of experience working with hydropower projects or related regulatory processes;
• Demonstrated knowledge of fish behavior and fish passage principles;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established processes and workflows;
• Excellent reading comprehension and technical writing skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet short deadlines in a fast‑paced environment;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Eligibility to work in the United States; and
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance, including successful completion of a background investigation.

• Master's degree in water resources, natural resources, environmental science, fisheries, biology, or a related field;
• Experience working with federal and/or state agencies, including familiarity with applicable environmental regulations;
• Experience with FERC processes and hydropower licensing; and
• Experience supporting or evaluating hydropower development projects.

This recruitment process can take several weeks. Once we narrow the applicants, we conduct virtual interviews with chosen applicants and make a final…