Natural Resources Program Principal 2026-01577

State of Wyoming•Cheyenne, WY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

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(n) Natural Resources Analyst
Knowledge of water resources, hydrology and/or 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.