Natural Resource Program Principal

Open Until Filled

A great place to live for those interested in outdoor activities. Cheyenne is just 30 minutes from Curt Gowdy State Park, about an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park, and about 90 minutes from Glendo State Park and Reservoir. Located just 45 miles from two Division 1 schools: the University of Wyoming and Colorado State University, it offers opportunities for further education.

Outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, camping, boating, backpacking, mountain biking, and skiing, and a 90‑minute drive to Denver International Airport.

This position is a geologist in the Land Quality Division (LQD). Under limited supervision, the geologist evaluates the radiological and geochemical hazards associated with uranium recovery operations. This includes conducting inspections and reviewing technical submissions such as license applications, license renewals, license amendments, radiological surveys, groundwater restoration reports, environmental impact statements, and decommissioning plans. The geologist also supports licensees by developing and implementing regulatory guidance and standards and effectively communicating those to industry.

• 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 more

Contact: deq.hr

• Inspect uranium recovery operators for compliance with a broad spectrum of regulations and analyze impacts of activities on public health, safety, and the environment. Travel to licensed facilities within the state up to six times per year.
• Effectively communicate highly technical information to the public, regulated communities, and other government agencies who may not have a technical background.
• Require considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.
• Complete projects within defined time constraints.
• Obtain training to meet the requirements of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license reviewer and inspector. This will require moderate travel within the first two years (roughly eight weeks spread over a year).
• Conduct self‑study and seek out statistical, hydrological, and geochemical training opportunities.
• Review and evaluate technical submissions using geological, hydrogeological, or engineering principles.
• Produce detailed, well‑written technical reports, inspection reports, and division correspondence.
• Respond to public complaints.
• Participate in the development of guidance documents and regulations focusing on a variety of topics.
• Serve as an expert witness in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Analyze environmental data and make informed decisions based on that data.
• Lead meetings with operators of assigned sites.

Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or other closely related fields, and specialized knowledge and experience in groundwater and surface water hydrology, fluid hydraulics, contaminant transport in groundwater and geology, geochemistry, chemistry, or environmental engineering.

• Familiarity with the role of NRC and Uranium Recovery Program and Wyoming rules and regulations related to licensing and inspection of source material from recovery or milling and the management of byproduct material.
• Ability to evaluate and solve a broad spectrum of technical problems related to environmental protection aspects of a licensee’s plans to clean up contaminated sites, evaluate environmental pathway modeling, and conduct environmental monitoring and sampling to verify performance.
• Ability to communicate complex technical analysis, issues, and recommendations clearly both orally and in writing.
• Prioritize work quickly so that deadlines are met while maintaining quality.
• Conduct self‑study to learn new skills.
• Familiarity with concepts of groundwater transport and geochemical models such as MT3D, MODFLOW, and PHREEQC.
• Familiarity with concepts of mobility and geochemistry of heavy metals in groundwater.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree (typically in The Sciences).

Experience:

1‑2 years of progressive work experience with knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst, or 4‑6 years of progressive experience with knowledge at that level.

• May require extensive travel at times.
• Must be able to walk on uneven or rough terrain.
• Must be able to deal with all types of inclement weather.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

FLSA:
Exempt

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.