You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Natural Resources Program Principal

State of Wyoming
Email

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  


Contribute to the protection and enhancement of Wyoming's water resources for current and future generations. Join the WDEQ's Watershed Protection Section and collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to monitor and assess water quality across southern Wyoming and throughout the state, including high-elevation mountains, prairies, and intermontane basins. Your responsibilities will include monitoring and assessing diverse surface waters across southern Wyoming, leading the Clean Water Act Section 401 certification program, and providing inter-program technical support for the water quality standards, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and non-point source pollution programs. This position offers ample training and professional growth opportunities, and the chance to work with a dedicated team of professionals focused on maintaining the quality of Wyoming's water resources.


Human Resource Contact: DEQ HR deq.hr@wyo.gov 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.



 

  • Serve as the Monitoring and Technical Support team lead for the Cheyenne region.
  • Develop sampling and analysis plans for evaluating attainment of surface water quality standards.
  • Collect chemical, invertebrate, algae, fish, and physical habitat data from streams and lakes using standardized data collection and quality assurance procedures.
  • Consistently and objectively apply water quality standards and evidence-based reasoning to evaluate chemical, biological, and physical condition of surface waters.
  • Conduct CWA 401 Certification application reviews, develop and revise guidance for issuing CWA 401 certifications, and counsel applicants toward achieving consistency with certification requirements.
  • Stay abreast of changing federal rules and policies, write draft agency comments on federal rules pertaining to 401 certifications, and cooperate with federal and state partners on program implementation.
  • Provide technical support to water quality standards, water quality assessment, TMDL, and nonpoint source programs.
  • Provide technical and administrative oversight of nonpoint source pollution reduction grant projects.
  • Write comprehensive interpretive reports and data summaries.
  • Respond to public water quality inquiries and complaints and recommend solutions or enforcement actions when appropriate.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders having diverse perspectives on water quality issues.
  • Mentor and train junior permanent staff; supervise seasonal contract staff.
  • Coordinate within and across programs to support strategic goals and objectives.


 

 

Qualifications

 


PREFERENCES: 


Preference will be given to applicants with a combination of education and experience demonstrating ability to develop and implement surface water quality assessments; analyze and interpret complex chemical, biological, and physical surface water quality data to determine attainment of standards; and write interpretive reports with objective, evidence-based conclusions. Preference will be given to applicants with project management and team leadership experience.
Preference will be given to applicants with experience with CWA 401 certification requirements and processes.


 

KNOWLEDGE:


 

  • Concepts of aquatic ecology, hydrology, chemistry, limnology, fluvial geomorphology and data quality assurance.
  • Effective communicator of technical subject matter.
  • Technical writing.
  • Water quality data collection, management, and analysis.
  • Strong computer skills including GIS and MS Office.
  • Effectively work independently and as part of a team, be self-motivated, and have a strong work ethic.
  • Managing adversarial situations, resolving conflict, and consensus-building.
  • Organizational and operational logistics skills and time management.
  • Basic skills for conducting safe and effective outdoor field work.


 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 


 

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in the Sciences)

 

Experience:

1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst

 

OR

 

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None


 

 

Necessary Special Requirements

 


PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:



 

  • Day and overnight travel for field work and meetings.
  • Remote field work, including occasional camping.
  • Walk in varied terrain over moderate distances.
  • Wade in flowing water over uneven, soft, or slippery substrates.
  • Bend or kneel while collecting samples and measurements.
  • Boating and rafting.
  • Carry up to 40 pounds over moderate distances.
  • Work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
  • Operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle on unimproved roads.
  • Work at a desk in an office setting.



NOTES:

 

  • FLSA: Exempt
  • The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality may use a video interview as a mandatory first step of our process. If chosen for a video interview, you will receive an email with all the necessary information to complete the process.

 

**Please Apply for this Position Through the Link Provided. Applications on Handshake cannot be accepted**