Natural Resources Program Principal 2026-01449 Lander, WY 82520, USA

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement – Pension and 457B plans

Job summary

The State of Wyoming is seeking a Senior Level position in the Department of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division. This role involves coordinating mining and exploration operations, reviewing permits, conducting compliance inspections, and providing technical support.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, knowledge in mining regulations, and strong communication skills. The position offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and meaningful work that contributes to Wyoming communities.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of progressive work experience at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst.
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to walk long distances outdoors on uneven ground.

Responsibilities

• Review applications and notifications for mining operations.
• Conduct compliance inspections and write detailed reports.
• Communicate complex technical analyses to the public and government agencies.

Skills

Knowledge of state statutes

Experience with mining practices

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in the sciences

Tools

Word processing software

Geographic information systems software

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This senior level position is within the Department of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division. The incumbent coordinates mining and exploration operations assigned by the District 2 Supervisor, reviewing permitting actions, annual reports, and conducting compliance inspections for both non‑coal and coal sites. Additional duties include assistance with enforcement, bond releases, and other related activities, and providing support to staff and working groups.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PACKAGE

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, Family and Medical Leave, and holidays
• Retirement – Pension and 457B plans
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

Learn more through the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator at https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov.

RECRUITMENT CONTACT

Human Resources: [e-mail]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review applications and notifications for new or existing mining and exploration operations.
• Review annual reports, including reclamation cost estimates, for mining and exploration operations.
• Schedule and conduct compliance inspections and write detailed reports.
• Recommend enforcement actions, remedial actions, and penalty assessments for violations.
• Review bond release requests and conduct associated inspections.
• Provide technical guidance and support to staff in District 2 and other offices.
• Communicate complex technical analyses, issues, and recommendations orally and in writing to agency staff, the public, regulated communities, and other government agencies.
• Respond to general communications received by the District 2 office.
• Represent District 2 at internal and external working group meetings, national and state meetings, and as an expert witness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the LQD Administrator or District 2 Supervisor.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and experience in mining, exploration, and reclamation activities and familiarity with Land Quality Division statutes, regulations, and policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of state statutes, rules, and policies, particularly those related to the Land Quality Division.
• Knowledge of permitting, regulation, and enforcement for mining and exploration operations.
• Experience with mining, exploration, and reclamation practices and procedures.
• Ability to assist professional staff in a group setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain partnerships.
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills, with proficiency in explaining complex technical and regulatory issues.
• Knowledge of scientific principles for analyzing complex environmental problems related to mining or exploration activities.
• Organizational and time‑management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work on multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and geographic information systems software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, typically in the sciences.
• Experience: 1–2 years of progressive work experience at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst, or 4–6 years of progressive work experience at that level, or an education and experience substitution of 4–6 years.
• Certificates, licenses, registrations: None.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Participation in various groups may require extensive travel.
• Ability to walk long distances outdoors on uneven ground to conduct inspections.

NOTES

• FLSA: Exempt.
• The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality may use a video interview as a mandatory first step. If selected, an email will provide interview instructions.

EEO STATEMENT

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.