Regulatory Specialist

At Current Hydro , we lead the way in run-of-river hydropower, utilizing the natural flow of water to produce clean, sustainable energy. Our innovative methods ensure minimal environmental impact while optimizing efficiency and reliability Our mission is to deliver renewable energy solutions that facilitate America’s shift to a clean energy future. We are dedicated to safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, and active community engagement. Guided by our core values , we aim to be at the forefront of renewable energy, advancing the transition to a sustainable future with our cutting-edge hydropower solutions Overview For more than a century, hydropower has been a foundational element of the U.S. energy system. At Current Hydro , we are demonstrating that it can also be a cornerstone of a sustainable, carbon‑free future. Through the development of run‑of‑river hydropower at existing dams, we leverage the natural flow of water to deliver clean, reliable renewable energy while minimizing environmental impacts. Our projects are designed as long‑life infrastructure assets—revitalizing communities, creating stable, generational jobs, and supporting long‑term energy resilience. Current Hydro is in a period of rapid growth, advancing a robust pipeline of projects that are transitioning from development into construction. Joining our team at this stage offers a unique opportunity to have immediate impact while helping shape the systems, standards, and culture of a growing organization. As a Regulatory Specialist, you will play a critical role in advancing our project portfolio through complex federal, state, and local permitting and licensing processes. This role is central to enabling project execution—ensuring that our developments meet all regulatory requirements while maintaining strong relationships with agencies, stakeholders, and communities. If you are motivated to work at the intersection of infrastructure, policy, and clean energy—and to directly contribute to the expansion of firm, renewable power across the U.S.—this role offers a compelling opportunity. The Opportunity Current Hydro is seeking a motivated Regulatory Specialist to join our team. This is a remote, full-time position. The Regulatory Specialist will be responsible for obtaining, managing, and maintaining permits and licenses for new hydropower projects, primarily across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Illinois, with future expansion into the Midwest and Southeast. What You’ll Do - Lead coordination with key regulatory agencies, including: - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Prepare and manage all phases of the FERC licensing process, including: - Preliminary Permits - Notices of Intent (NOI) - Pre-Application Documents (PAD) - Proposed Study Plans - Tribal consultations - Draft and Final License Applications - NEPA documentation and review - License orders and compliance filings - Develop and submit permit applications to federal, state, and local authorities - Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements across the project lifecycle - Track regulatory filings and proactively respond to agency comments and requests - Provide regulatory strategy and guidance to internal project teams, including: - Supporting study scoping - Recommending and coordinating with specialized subcontractors - Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, stakeholders, and community partners - Stay current on regulatory policy changes that could impact project development - Prepare clear, concise updates for senior leadership on: - Licensing status - Key risks - Mitigation strategies What You Bring - Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Law, or related field (Master’s preferred) - Minimum 2+ years of experience in regulatory compliance and licensing, preferably in hydropower or renewable energy - Working knowledge of: - F