Natural Resources Analyst 2026

State of Wyoming; Sheridan (WY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wyoming in Sheridan seeks a Mining Environmental Specialist to conduct technical reviews of mine permit applications, annual reports, environmental studies, monitoring data, and reclamation cost estimates for coal and non-coal mining operations. You will assist with uranium in-situ mining permits and perform compliance inspections.

Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers a high quality of life; the role includes field work, travel, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the sciences required.
• 0-3 years of progressive work experience in the sciences with knowledge at Natural Resources Specialist level.
• 4-6 years of progressive work experience in the sciences with knowledge at Natural Resources Specialist level.

Responsibilities

• Serves as permit coordinator for conventional and uranium in-situ mining operations, as assigned by the District III Supervisor.
• Provides technical expertise and reviews permits to support LQD staff and regulatory activities.
• Conducts inspections of mining operations to determine compliance and writes detailed inspection reports.
• Has authority to issue violations and cessation orders and determine mitigation measures during coal inspections.
• Writes enforcement actions (Notices, Orders, settlements) in a timely fashion.
• Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies on permitting issues.

Skills

GPS

GIS

Relational databases

Education

Bachelor's in The Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Conducts technical reviews of mine permit applications, annual reports, environmental studies, monitoring data and reclamation cost estimates with an emphasis on conventional open pit mining activities associated with coal and non‑coal mining operations. This individual will also assist the LQD District 3 office with the coordination of uranium in‑situ mining permits and performing compliance inspections of these operations.

Nestled directly against the dramatic backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers an exceptional quality of life that pairs small‑town warmth with big‑time financial and lifestyle benefits. Living here means enjoying a thriving, historic downtown packed with local boutiques, craft breweries, and fine dining, alongside zero state income tax and low property taxes that let you keep significantly more of what you earn. Backyard access to the Bighorn National Forest means endless weekend options—from blue‑ribbon trout fishing and pristine hiking trails to skiing and snowmobiling—all without the soul‑crushing traffic, long commutes, or high cost of living of major metro areas. With a safe, family‑friendly community, top‑tier local schools, and a rich Western heritage, Sheridan delivers an enviable work‑life balance in one of Wyoming’s most scenic mountain towns.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work‑life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: [e-mail]

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

• Serves as permit coordinator for conventional and uranium in‑situ mining operations, as assigned by the District III Supervisor.
• Provides technical expertise and performs reviews of permits in support of other LQD Staff, as necessary and assigned by the District III Supervisor.
• Conducts inspections of mining operations to determine compliance and writes detailed inspection reports.
• Has authority to issue Violations and Cessation Orders, and determine appropriate mitigation measures during a coal inspection without authorization from upper management.
• Writes appropriate and necessary enforcement actions (Conference and Conciliation, Notice of Violation, Order, etc.) in a complete and timely fashion which may include the development of a Settlement Agreement when appropriate.
• Works directly with other local, state and federal agencies.
• Recommends approval of complex permits, reclamation performance bond estimates and assists in regulating district exploration drilling programs.
• Participates in various LQD and industry work groups, as assigned.
• Develops/revises rules, guidance documents, and procedures as assigned.
• Confers with public officials, representatives of private industry and consultants in the resolution of permitting issues relevant to the LQD program.
• Responds to and resolves, within delegated authority, concerns raised by the public and other agencies.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Understanding of permitting, regulating, and enforcing state environmental law and the practices of mining operations and reclamation procedures.
• Skill in the application of scientific principles to effectively analyze problems and situations which potentially threaten the environment due to mining related activities.
• Ability to communicate, work cooperatively with staff and regulated community,prioritize workload, resolve conflicts, solve complex problems, travel and work in the field.
• Experience with global positioning systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and maintenance and design of relational databases.
• Skill in the use of personal computer for word processing, database and spreadsheet applications; and query and mapping from GIS databases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's (typically in The Sciences)

0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist

OR

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

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

Necessary Special Requirements

Some field site visits are necessary, and the candidate must be physically capable of site inspections that may include hiking over rough, steep and uneven terrain. Some overnight travel is required.

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.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

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 to ensure that you have the most recent version.