Assistant Hydropower Regulatory Specialist

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.

This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR has an opening for an Assistant Hydropower Regulatory Specialist to join our Northern California team and be a part of our national hydropower practice that ENR ranks Number 2 in the Top 10 firms providing services to owners and operators of hydropower plants for 2025. HDR operates offices throughout California, and our Nor Cal hydropower practice serves as a vital hub linking hydropower expertise and capabilities among our Resources and Water hydropower clients in Nor Cal, as well as leading and providing support for hydropower projects throughout California, the southwestern U.S. and nationwide.

This position involves supporting multiple regulatory projects, clients, and project teams led by the Nor Cal hydropower regulatory team.

• Collect, review, and summarize technical studies, FERC/NEPA/CEQA documents, and similar reports/documents related to hydropower operations, watershed ecology, and related technical areas
• Assist in preparation and participation of public/client meetings
• Assist senior FERC regulatory staff and subject matter experts in environmental task assignments
• Support planning for fieldwork including logistics, scheduling, and equipment
• Perform occasional fieldwork as part of a larger field team
• Perform other duties as needed

• Master’s degree
• Previous environmental planning experience
• Previous environmental consulting experience
• Familiarity with FERC processes and/or other California state and federal processes (i.e., CEQA, NEPA, ESA, etc.)
• Previous fieldwork and field planning experience
• Familiarity with Northern California watersheds and ecology
• Familiarity with hydropower and/or utility operations

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Resources or Planning
• Experienced in MS Office Suite
• Self‑starter with excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem‑solving and research abilities
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $68,640.00 - $88,330.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.

Primary

Location:

United States-California-Sacramento

Other Locations:
United States-California-Folsom

Industry: Power

Schedule:

Full‑time

Employee Status:
Regular

Business Class:
Relicensing

Job Posting:
Dec 29, 2025