Natural Resource Analyst Cheyenne, WY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position is responsible for coordinating the Water Quality Division’s role in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental review processes. It assists with the development and implementation of Wyoming’s surface water quality standards consistent with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and the federal Clean Water Act. The position collaborates in reviewing, evaluating, and developing recommendations on proposed federal projects to ensure federal agency actions align with Wyoming's water quality rules, including surface and groundwater quality standards and regulations for discharges to waters, as well as water and wastewater facility permitting.

The position supports the development and implementation of Wyoming’s Surface Water Quality Standards, including technical reviews, research, document development, and assistance in proposed changes to standards and implementation documents.

• Represent the Water Quality Division at NEPA cooperator meetings to ensure federal projects meet Wyoming’s environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with DEQ management, federal agencies, and other cooperators to develop alternatives, provide recommendations, and offer input on NEPA planning documents and environmental analyses.
• Prepare and provide input and technical language during NEPA document development, citing state and federal statutes, regulations, and policy.
• Review, analyze, and develop official WQD comments on Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, federal land management plans, forest plans, oil and gas leasing, renewable energy projects, pipelines, and coal leasing, recommending revisions for compliance with Wyoming’s water quality rules.
• Conduct technical reviews of U.S. EPA-recommended water quality criteria and implementation materials for applicability to Wyoming’s surface waters.
• Assist with developing technical comments in response to public notices and draft recommended water quality criteria and implementation materials.
• Research state and federal regulations and guidance on the development and implementation of surface water quality standards.
• Conduct technical research, evaluation, and recommend changes to Wyoming’s surface water quality standards and implementation methods.
• Assist with developing public outreach materials, website updates, and related tasks.
• Assist with other duties as assigned to implement portions of the federal Clean Water Act in Wyoming.

• Bachelor’s degree plus one to two years of professional work experience reviewing or preparing NEPA documents.
• Preference for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, geology, environmental sciences, engineering, or related fields, or environmental policy, demonstrating strong technical and expository writing skills.

• Knowledge of the federal Clean Water Act, NEPA, Wyoming Environmental Quality Act, and Wyoming Surface Water Quality Standards.
• Experience with collection, management, and analysis of environmental data.
• Experience evaluating potential environmental impacts to surface or groundwater from proposed projects and developing recommendations for alternatives and permitting needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SharePoint, Geographic Information Systems, and geospatial datasets.
• Resourcefulness, problem‑solving, deadline management, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for conveying complex technical or regulatory issues.
• Ability to research, summarize, document, and maintain technical records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of reviewing, modifying, and adopting surface water quality standards and of study design for water quality monitoring.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree (typically in the sciences).

Experience:

0‑3 years of progressive work experience with knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist, or 4‑6 years of progressive experience for alternative qualification.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None.

This position requires travel in and out of state. It may occasionally require walking or hiking in rugged terrain, and conducting field work in wet, slippery, cold, or muddy conditions.

• FLSA:
  Exempt.
• The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality may use a video interview as a mandatory first step of the process.

DEQ HR: deq.hr

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.