Natural Resources Program Principal

The Natural Resources Program Principal position is for the Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML) of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality based in Lander, Wyoming. The position is for the role of a Project Manager which requires managing several consultants conducting site assessments and research, assembling plans and specifications, bidding and conducting construction management services on multiple abandoned mine reclamation projects located throughout the State of Wyoming. A Project Manager manages the complete reclamation process from conducting initial site visitations through construction and monitoring. Project Managers are assigned other essential programmatic duties as well and will assist other Project Managers as is necessary. The position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively; the ability to exercise great judgement with limited information to make sound, reasoned decisions; an ability to see the bigger picture of what needs to be accomplished and the tenacity to see it through to completion; being prompt and responsive to internal and external customers including AML staff, consultants, contractors, local officials and residents; flexibility in accepting other project assignments; being a team player by assisting other Project Managers with their projects; and the availability to travel to project sites throughout Wyoming, which may include overnight stays. Lander, Wyoming, offers an amazing quality of life in a small-town setting. Outdoor activities abound including backpacking, fishing, hunting, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, etc., with the Wind River Mountain Range at your doorstep. Come join a motivated staff of outdoor enthusiasts reclaiming historic mining hazards throughout Wyoming.

Responsibilities

Acts as a Project Manager for AML reclamation projects; Conducts planning, design, implementation, and/or directing consulting activities; Maintains project files and documentation; Develops, coordinates and/or performs environmental compliance assessment audits/inspections to identify environmental/reclamation issues; Provides environmental/reclamation guidance and instruction regarding AML projects; Monitors reclamation expenditures to comply with program budgets; Responsible for environmental/reclamation technical writing; Presents project information at public meetings; Analyzes complex environmental/reclamation data and draws conclusions; Answers technical questions related to policies, procedures and statutes; Has ongoing interface with stakeholders at mid to senior management level; Research records and provide information and technical data to the public; Applies and interprets complex rules, regulations, guidelines or standards; Monitors work of contractors for contractual compliance including negotiating solutions and resolving conflicts; Manages multiple complex projects that serve to protect human health and wildlife; Reclaim natural resources degraded by historic mining; Coordinates with the Projects Supervisor and Operations Supervisor on project workload assignments and clearance needs

Requirements

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; Knowledge of and ability to read, research, interpret and apply federal, state, local environmental laws and regulations; Knowledge of and experience in mining, exploration, and reclamation practices and procedures; Skilled at interpersonal relations, communication, technical writing, decision making and problem solving; Knowledge and ability to liaison between various agencies for reporting; Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain partnerships; Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills with proficiency in explaining complex technical and/or regulatory issues and concerns to varied audiences; Knowledge in the application of scientific principles to effectively analyze complex problems and situations that potentially threaten public health and safety, environmental degradation, and loss of land use due to mining or exploration-related activities; Skill in organization and time-management, with attention to detail, and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects with various deadlines and objectives; Ability to use current word processing and spreadsheet software, Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and Computer-aided Design (CAD) software; Knowledge and ability for reading, interpreting, locating positions, and navigating topographic, mine, and other maps; Ability to work independently and collaboratively; Ability to exercise great judgement with limited information to make sound, reasoned decisions; Ability to see the bigger picture of what needs to be accomplished and the tenacity to see it through to completion; Being prompt and responsive to internal and external customers including AML staff, consultants, contractors, local officials and residents; Flexibility in accepting other project assignments; Being a team player by assisting other Project Managers with their projects; Availability to travel to project sites throughout Wyoming, which may include overnight stays; Ability to walk long distances on uneven ground to conduct site inspections sometimes in very remote locations; Participation in various national work groups, as Wyoming's representative, may require extensive out-of-state travel

Nice to have

Science education; Knowledge and experience in exploration, development, mining, and reclamation activities; Familiarity with Abandoned Mine Land Division statutes, regulations, and policies

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays; Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans; Flexible schedules and work-life balance options; Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities