Natural Resources Analyst 2026-02137

State of Wyoming; Sheridan (WY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wyoming in Sheridan seeks a Natural Resources 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 the LQD District III office with uranium in-situ permits and perform compliance inspections.

Responsibilities include field inspections, issuing enforcement actions when needed, and coordinating with state and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science field.
• 0-3 years of progressive work experience in sciences at Natural Resources Specialist level or related.
• 4-6 years of progressive work experience with equivalent knowledge as Natural Resources Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Serves as permit coordinator for conventional and uranium in-situ mining operations.

Skills

Field inspections

Communication

Travel readiness

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in The Sciences

Tools

GPS

GIS

Relational databases

Office software

Job description

OpenUntilFilled

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

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.

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

Education:

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.

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.