Natural Resources Program Principal 2026

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement plans

Flexible schedules

Job summary

The State of Wyoming is seeking a Natural Resources Program Principal in Cheyenne to provide technical analysis and oversee permitting compliance. Responsibilities include reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, and writing technical reports.

This role requires a Bachelor's Degree in the Sciences along with relevant experience. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance options.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of progressive work experience in the Sciences or 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to research and apply environmental laws and policies.
• Strong skills in public speaking and professional communication.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate complex permit applications and engineering designs.
• Conduct environmental compliance audits and inspections.
• Serve as the primary author for environmental technical writing.

Skills

Regulatory Expertise

Environmental Principles

Communication Skills

Technical Writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Sciences

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Natural Resources Program Principal provides technical analysis and may serve as a program lead for special projects as directed by the Groundwater Section Manager. General duties include review of operating permit applications for purposes of initial permit development, modification, or renewal; review documents for details, accuracy, and completeness; and coordinate with other Section staff for fulfilling permitting compliance monitoring, inspection and enforcement responsibilities related to the Underground Injection Control Program and Groundwater Pollution Control Program. This position does not supervise any subordinate positions.

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
• 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

• Technical Review & Environmental Analysis
  • UIC Program Specialization: Evaluate complex permit applications, feasibility studies, and engineering designs for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class I (hazardous and non-hazardous industrial/municipal waste disposal) and Class V (shallow non-hazardous injection) wells.
  • Data Interpretation: Analyze complex, multi-disciplinary environmental data (biological, chemical, geological, and hydrogeological) to draw definitive conclusions and formulate formal recommendations.
  • Quality Assurance: Verify the accuracy, validity, and computational integrity of data collection methods, mechanical integrity testing (MIT), and injection well monitoring reports.
  • Regulatory Application: Apply and interpret complex rules, regulations, guidelines, and standards, with a specific focus on groundwater quality protection, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) standards, and UIC regulations.
• Project Management
  • UIC Well Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full regulatory lifecycle of Class I and Class V wells, including permitting, inspections, review of compliance reports, field evaluations of required well testing and proper plugging and abandonment (P&A) procedures.
  • Data Management: Maintain organized, auditable digital and physical project and compliance files.
• Compliance, Audits, & Enforcement
  • Conduct Inspections: Plan and execute environmental compliance audits, field investigations, and on-site inspections of facilities, structures, and UIC well sites to resolve groundwater violations and complaints.
  • Regulatory Judgment: Work with the Geology Supervisor – Inspection and Compliance to determine compliance status based on field observations, data analysis, and regulatory interpretations.
  • Enforcement Actions: Recommend appropriate levels of enforcement responses for non-compliance or unauthorized injection activity.
• Technical Writing & Reporting
  • Documentation: Serve as the primary author for all specialized environmental technical writing, delivering timely formal recommendations and UIC permit drafts.
  • Reporting: Formulate comprehensive, evidence-based technical reports resulting from audits, well-logging reviews, and environmental investigations.
• Note on Core Competencies: To excel in this role, the ideal candidate must possess the ability to analyze complex data sets, maintain deep focus for extended periods, and exercise sound, independent judgment under high-pressure scenarios.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Regulatory Expertise & Research
  • Environmental Law & Policy: Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply complex Federal, State, and Local environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Environmental Principles: Deep understanding of environmental theories, principles, and practical applications, particularly concerning groundwater and regulatory compliance.
  • Information Management: Detail-oriented with a strong ability to discern, track, organize, and research public records and complex technical data.
  • Communication & Technical Writing & Editing: Proficient in environmental technical and regulatory writing, with the ability to compose, review, and edit highly detailed technical documents for accuracy and completeness.
  • Public Speaking & Engagement: Skilled in public speaking, with the ability to present complex technical data clearly to colleagues, the public, and diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Professional Communication: Excellent written, oral, and electronic communication skills, emphasizing precision and attention to detail.
• Project Management & Professionalism
  • Task Optimization: Proven ability to multi-task, set priorities, and manage multiple assignments under pressure to deliver high-quality work on time.
  • Collaboration & Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, take direction, and interact professionally with colleagues, the public, and the regulated community.
  • Technical Literacy: Proficiency in standard office software and computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software (e.g., MS Office Suite).

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 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typical in the Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

Necessary Special Requirements

Physical Working Conditions: Ability to travel and conduct field investigations and inspections, which may require prolonged standing, walking on uneven terrain, and lifting equipment up to 25 pounds.

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.