Natural Resource Program Principal 2026-01538 Cheyenne, WY, USA

Wyoming; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a Geologist to evaluate hazards related to uranium recovery operations. The role includes conducting inspections, reviewing technical submissions, and developing regulatory guidance. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in geology or related field and have experience in hydrology or environmental engineering.

The position requires effective communication of complex information and may involve travel across the state to licensed facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline required.
• 1–2 years of related work experience or 4–6 years in equivalent roles.
• Familiarity with NRC and Wyoming regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect uranium recovery operators for regulatory compliance.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Produce detailed technical reports and correspondence.

Skills

Geological principles

Hydrology

Technical writing

Analytical judgment

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in geology, environmental science, or related field

Job description

General Description

Open Until Filled

This position is a geologist in the Land Quality Division (LQD). Under limited supervision, the role evaluates radiological and geochemical hazards associated with uranium recovery operations. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, reviewing technical submissions such as license applications, license renewals, license amendments, radiological surveys, groundwater restoration reports, environmental impact statements, and decommissioning plans. The position also supports licensees by developing and implementing regulatory guidance and standards, and effectively communicating those to industry.

Essential Functions

• Inspect uranium recovery operators for compliance with applicable regulations and analyze impacts on public health, safety, and the environment. Travel to licensed facilities within the State up to six times per year.
• Effectively communicate highly technical information to the public, regulated communities, and other government agencies who may not have a technical background.
• Require considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.
• Complete projects within defined time constraints.
• Obtain training to meet NRC license reviewer and inspector requirements, which may include moderate travel within the first two years.
• Conduct self‑study and seek out statistical, hydrological, and geochemical training opportunities.
• Review and evaluate technical submissions using geological, hydrogeology, or engineering principles.
• Produce detailed, well‑written technical reports, inspection reports, and division correspondence.
• Respond to public complaints.
• Participate in development of guidance documents and regulations covering a variety of topics.
• Serve as an expert witness in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Analyze environmental data and make informed decisions based on that data.
• Lead meetings with operators of assigned sites.

Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related fields, and specialized knowledge and experience in groundwater or surface‑water hydrology, fluid hydraulics, contaminant transport, geochemistry, chemistry, or environmental engineering.

Knowledge

• Familiarity with the NRC and Uranium Recovery Program, and with Wyoming regulations related to licensing and inspection of uranium recovery and milling activities.
• Ability to evaluate and solve a broad spectrum of technical problems related to environmental protection, site cleanup, environmental pathway modeling, and monitoring and sampling.
• Clear oral and written communication of complex technical analysis, issues, and recommendations to staff, the public, and the regulated community.
• Prioritization of work to meet deadlines while maintaining quality.
• Self‑study to acquire new skills.
• Understanding of groundwater transport and geochemical modeling concepts, including MT3D, MODFLOW, and PHREEQC.
• Understanding of mobility and geochemistry of heavy metals in groundwater.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline.

Experience: 1–2 years of progressive work experience at a level equivalent to a Natural Resources Analyst, or 4–6 years of progressive work experience with equivalent knowledge.

Physical Working Conditions

• May require extensive travel.
• Must be able to walk on uneven or rough terrain.
• Must be able to operate in inclement weather.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Notes

• FLSA: Exempt.
• The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality may use a video interview as a mandatory first step of the selection process.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD website for the most recent version.