Natural Resources Program Principal 2026-01577

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

State of Wyoming’s Water Development Office in Cheyenne seeks a Natural Resources Analyst to manage Water Development Level I reconnaissance and Level II feasibility planning, oversee consultant contracts, budgets and project closeouts.

The position emphasizes GIS data review, mapping support, interagency coordination, public meetings, and providing technical guidance while developing funding recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in The Sciences required.
• 1–2 years progressive work experience in The Sciences at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst.
• OR 4–6 years progressive work experience in The Sciences at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst.
• PE licensure is preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of GIS, water resources, and engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage water development planning studies across Wyoming, including planning, design, and implementation activities.
• Assist in management of instream flow, small water project, and weather modification programs.
• Prepare funding recommendations, scopes of service, RFPs, and contracts.
• Review GIS data, metadata, and mapping products for consistency and standards.
• Provide GIS technical assistance and advise on software integration.

Skills

Project management

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Contract management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in The Sciences

4–6 years progressive work experience in The Sciences

Tools

ESRI GIS

Geoprocessing tools

Job description

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Responsible for managing Water Development Level I Reconnaissance and Level II Feasibility Study planning projects and assisting with the agency's instream flow program, small water project program, and weather modification program. Monitors progress of assigned projects to ensure compliance wit contract requirements including budgets and completion dates. Prepares funding recommendations, technical scopes of work, requests for proposals, contracts and project closeouts. Reviews and evaluates draft planning documents, technical memoranda, GIS data, metadata and mapping products and provides GIS technical assistance to the office. Represents the program at regional, state and local meetings.

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 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• 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: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Rose Richardson / [e-mail] 307-777-7966

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages numerous new development and rehabilitation water planning studies (agricultural, municipal, and watershed studies) across Wyoming to include planning, design, and/or implementation of specific projects, consultant selection, budget oversight, contract administration, and directing consultants.
• Assists in the management of the instream flow program, small water project program, and weather modification program.
• Prepares funding recommendations, technical scopes of service, requests for proposals, and contracts.
• Reviews and evaluates GIS data, metadata and mapping products produced by consultants for consistency and adherence to standards.
• Provides GIS technical assistance to Office project managers in the conduct of their studies and provides recommendations to the Office with respect to GIS software acquisition and integration with existing software and platforms.
• Works with the Water Resources Data System (WRDS) at the University of Wyoming to develop methods to maintain base data to support Level I and II planning projects.
• Assists with Water Development Program irrigation and water system surveys.
• Determines accuracy of data collection & computation methods; provides technical reviews of draft planning documents, and technical memoranda.
• Analyzes complex data and draws conclusions; provides technical guidance and instruction to agency projects.
• Answers technical questions related to policies, procedures and statutes; produces technical documents and memos.
• Performs inter‑agency coordination with federal, state and local entities.
• Researches records and provides information and technical data to the public.
• Interfaces regularly with communities at the mid to senior management level.
• Conducts project site visits and public hearings; makes presentations at public meetings to include talks to various agricultural, municipal, conservation and industry groups around the state and region.
• Prepares and presents project closeout memos at Water Development Commission meetings.
• Possesses a strong willingness to learn and develop a variety of new skills and knowledge, as appropriate, which may include participating in training courses and learning from others within the Water Development Office.
• Reviews consultant invoices to ensure accuracy and processes pay requests; monitors contractual expenditures.
• Attends various conferences/workshops/meetings (in-state and out-of-state) that are germane to the mission of the Water Development Program.

PREFERENCES

Preference may be given to applicants with education and experience in civil engineering (water resources), agricultural engineering, hydrogeology, hydrology, watershed science, geospatial science, geography, or other natural resources field, PLUS previous project management experience. PE licensure is preferred, but not required.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of water resources, hydrology andor hydrogeologic processes.
• Knowledge of multiple science and engineering disciplines.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology, including data automation/acquisition, spatial data organization, data analysis, map composition and production.
• Proficient use of the ESRI suite of GIS software products and geoprocessing tools.
• Knowledge of and ability to read, research, interpret and apply Federal, State, Local environmental laws and regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles of project management.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to include public speaking.
• Ability to manage consultants including Requests for Proposals, contracting, and review of work products.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Water Law; federal and state legislative processes; and compacts and decrees to which Wyoming is a party
• Excellent computer skills.

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(n) Natural Resources Analyst

OR

Education & ExperienceSubstitution

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

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Travel is required

NOTES

• FLSA: Exempt

029-Wyoming Water Development Office - Planning Division

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.