Natural Resources Analyst 2026-02137

State of Wyoming; Sheridan (WY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Flexible schedules

PSLF eligibility

Retirement plan

Job summary

The State of Wyoming seeks a Natural Resources Specialist to conduct technical reviews of mining permits, annual reports and environmental studies, with emphasis on coal and non-coal mining operations.

The role also supports uranium in-situ mining permits and field inspections in District III, Sheridan, WY.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the sciences is required or equivalent experience.
• 0-3 years of progressive work experience in the sciences as Natural Resources Specialist level.
• 4-6 years of progressive work experience may substitute for education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as permit coordinator for conventional and uranium in-situ mining operations.
• Provide technical reviews of permits for District III and LQD staff.
• Conduct inspections of mining operations and write detailed reports.
• Issue violations and cessation orders with mitigation measures.
• Develop enforcement actions (Notices, Orders, settlements) when appropriate.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies on permitting issues.
• Assist in regulating district exploration drilling programs and reclamation bond estimates.
• Participate in LQD and industry work groups; revise rules and guidance.

Skills

GPS & GIS

Relational databases

Field inspections

Technical reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in the sciences

Job description

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.

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 - 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

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:

• 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.

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's (typically in The Sciences)

Experience

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

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 Specialist

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None

Physical Working Conditions

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

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

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

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job — it’s a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees Enjoy

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION

Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.