Natural Resources Program Principal

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 with 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.

• 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 and recommends GIS software acquisition and integration.
• Works with the Water Resources Data System (WRDS) at the University of Wyoming to develop methods to maintain base data for Level I and II planning projects.
• Assists with Water Development Program irrigation and water system surveys.
• Determines accuracy of data collection and computation methods; provides technical reviews of draft planning documents and technical memoranda.
• Analyzes complex data, draws conclusions, and gives technical guidance 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 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 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 new skills and knowledge through training.
• Reviews consultant invoices for accuracy and processes pay requests; monitors contractual expenditures.
• Attends conferences, workshops and meetings 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.

• Water resources, hydrology and hydrogeologic processes.
• Multiple science and engineering disciplines.
• 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.
• Principles of project management.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to manage consultants, including requests for proposals, contracting and review of work products.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Water Law and related legislation.
• Excellent computer skills.

Bachelor’s Degree (typically in the sciences).

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 (typically in the sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst.

• Travel is required.

Human Resource Contact:
Rose Richardson, rose.richardson,

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• Employee Assistance Program, wellness program, training and professional development, etc.

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