Allyson Conner, Outdoor Recreation Planner
Education: Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN, B.A. in Recreation | Middle Tennessee State University Master’s in Outdoor Recreation
Joined FERC: February 2006

“I came to FERC because I thought it would be a good opportunity to use my degree - something people in recreation don't often get to do! Moreover, I felt I would learn so much about recreation, planning, the Federal government, and Washington, D.C. I am from Nashville, Tennessee so DC was a huge adjustment but a positive one.

The decisions made here affect the recreation in communities around the country. I assess the recreational opportunities at various dams throughout the Southeast. I help determine the need for more recreation facilities, whether the current ones are filled to or above capacity on a regular basis, and whether or not there are recreation user conflicts. I am also able to suggest improvements to the recreation within the vicinity.

FERC has been a great place to work and the people here have definitely helped with my transition. The opportunity for advancement, pay and benefits were also huge deciding factors. I like my job because I believe recreation on rivers and lakes is very important. This helps make it all very interesting and personal to me.

I was surprised to find so many new employees within my age range. It definitely helps to have colleagues you can relate to. We enjoy going out after work and on the weekends. ”

Aaron Liberty
Education: Unity College: BS in Environmental Science. 2001 | Virginia Tech: MS in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. 2004
Joined FERC: November 2005

“As a Fish Biologist for FERC I am responsible for reviewing the water and aquatic resources information submitted to FERC in hydropower license applications. If more information needs to be gathered to complete our analysis, I then assist with reviewing and designing fisheries and water resource studies to be conducted by the applicant. After all the necessary information is gathered, I then use this information to help prepare Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for each specific hydropower project.

I enjoy working on projects in many areas of the country. I think that being able to work on such different and important issues is a great experience and is also the perfect opportunity to apply what I have learned in school.

Since I was hired under the Federal Career Intern Program, I have also enjoyed being able to take some interesting training courses on topics of my choice. Lastly, I especially like being able to travel to some of the hydropower projects I am working on around the country and see areas I have always wanted to see.”