Scientific Associate Ecological Restoration Hydropower

Ittigen, Switzerland (and Homeoffice) | 80-100%

Your 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)
• Accompanying and advising the assigned cantons (and other stakeholders) in the field of fish passability (Romandie and German-speaking Switzerland)
• Specialist and contact person for technical questions regarding the ecological restoration of fish migration barriers (weirs, hydropower plants, locks, sills,..)
• Coordination of energy policy matters in the Water department as well as representation of the department in internal and external bodies
• Co-responsible for the preparation and further development of enforcement bases in connection with the financing of restoration measures (fish migration, hydropeaking, sediment budget) and contact person for questions on financing in restoration projects
• Responsible for processing political matters in connection with the financing of hydropower restoration

What makes you unique

• Academic or university degree in aquatic ecology (biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering) or hydraulic engineer with good knowledge in the field of aquatic ecology/fisheries
• Professional experience in the field of aquatic ecology (planning, accompanying or executing projects), if possible in ecological restoration of hydropower
• Experience and interest in energy policy topics and financial law issues
• Professional and project management experience in science, administration or a specialist office
• Independent, goal- and solution-oriented way of working, 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 making the use of hydropower sustainable and to driving 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 well-being of the population.
• Lived diversity Thanks to equal opportunity, we develop our competencies 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 (https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/de/home/bundesverwaltung/ihre-vorteile-auf-einen-blick.html)

Quality of life for today and tomorrow.

The Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) 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 (UVEK).

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

Additional information

Start 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