Scientific Staff Member Ecological Restoration Hydropower

About the job

Ittigen, Switzerland (and home office) | 80-100%

You can make this contribution

• Responsible for the assessment and financing of restoration projects in the field of fish migration in the assigned cantons (Romandie and German-speaking Switzerland)
• Support and advice to the assigned cantons (and other stakeholders) in the area of fish passability (Romandie and German-speaking Switzerland)
• Specialist and contact person for technical questions regarding the ecological restoration of fish migration obstacles (weirs, hydropower plants, locks, thresholds, etc.)
• Coordination of energy policy matters in the Water Department as well as representation of the department in internal and external committees
• Co-responsible for the development and further development of enforcement bases related to the financing of restoration measures (fish migration, hydropeaking, sediment balance) and contact person for financing questions in restoration projects
• Responsible for handling political matters related to the financing of hydropower restoration

This makes you unique

• Professional or university degree in aquatic ecology (biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering) or hydraulic engineering with good knowledge in the field of aquatic ecology/fisheries
• Professional experience in the field of aquatic ecology (planning, support or execution of projects), preferably in ecological hydropower restoration
• Experience and interest in energy policy topics and financial legal issues
• Professional and project management experience in science, administration or a specialised office
• Independent, goal- and solution-oriented working style, good communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Good active knowledge of at least one second official language and, if possible, knowledge of a third official language

In a nutshell

You make a valuable contribution to shaping hydropower use sustainably and to advancing the restoration of fish migration in a targeted and effective manner.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the Swiss success model and work for the benefit of the population.
• Lived diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we develop our skills and bring in different perspectives.
• Healthy at the workplace We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

All benefits

Quality of life for today and tomorrow.

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for the sustainable use of natural resources such as soil, water, air and forest, for protection against natural hazards and for the preservation of biodiversity. It is part of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).

We have Switzerland of today and tomorrow in mind and take responsibility for the successful development of our country in demanding projects. FOEN offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a sustainable Switzerland in a modern working environment.

Additional information

Starting date: 01.11.2026 or by arrangement.

Questions about the position

Monika Schaffner
Co-Section Head / Section Ecological Restoration Hydropower
+41 58 464 77 81