Natural Resources Specialist - Wyoming

Colorado State University•Cheyenne, WY

About The Position

The Natural Resources Specialist assists the Air Force in ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements. The role provides guidance, program evaluation, resource allocation, and other direct support for natural resources activities, including the identification, evaluation, and protection of raptors, migratory birds, and state- and federally listed species. The specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary team and interfaces with Air Force Sentinel Program Office Task Force personnel, installation Environmental personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders. The position supports compliance management and oversight for construction activities, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and technical report review and data quality assurance. When needed, the specialist may work with field crews conducting on- and off-base natural resource surveys or serve as a natural resources monitor during active construction. Work is primarily office-based, but may include field crew accompaniment and site inspections involving long hikes across remote, rugged terrain. The specialist may supervise other full-time AP-Special personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of professional natural resource or biological experience.
Experience with GIS software, particularly ESRI’s GIS product suite.
Familiarity with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act.
Experience applying environmental principles and practices to support NEPA and natural resource management.
Experience analyzing and interpreting environmental data and regulations.
Supervisory experience and experience leading interdisciplinary teams.
Experience communicating and enforcing health, safety, and security protocols in field or office settings.
Experience preparing detailed scientific reports documenting inspections, findings, and recommendations.
Knowledge of biological and ecological principles relevant to wildlife and habitat management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in technical and scientific reporting.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must have a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one by the employment start date.
Must complete a pre-employment criminal background check.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and provide a Statement of Qualifications addressing each listed qualification before the full consideration date.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related discipline.
More than 5 years of post-graduate professional experience in natural resource or biological projects.
Experience interpreting and implementing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and/or Survey123.
Demonstrated experience applying federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and guidance to recommend permitting, pollution prevention, and environmental integration approaches.
Proficiency in project planning and execution in environmental or natural resource contexts.
Demonstrated ability to integrate interdisciplinary professionals, including attorneys, public health and public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental and general engineers, physical scientists, community planners, regulators, other government officials, and community groups.
Background working with the Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force.
Project experience in the Upper Mountain West region (Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, or Wyoming).
Familiarity with other professional disciplines, such as engineering, community planning, and environmental science.

Responsibilities

Serve as a biological sciences technical expert, providing guidance on wildlife, invasive species, and endangered species considerations during MILCON projects, including requirements under ESA, MBTA, NEPA, and CWA.
Assist Air Force personnel with reviewing and inspecting construction activities for regulatory compliance related to threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, and critical habitats.
Monitor and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures associated with MILCON projects.
Manage project files and documentation using SharePoint and Box.
Prepare and review technical reports for quality and compliance with program requirements.
Communicate routinely with SPO, installation personnel, CEMML colleagues, contractors, and project partners through meetings, working groups, briefings, and email.
Develop agendas, take meeting minutes, prepare training modules, and lead meetings as needed.
Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress reports and status updates.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on regulatory requirements and translate them into actionable solutions for SPO.
Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies.
When needed, work with field crews conducting on-base and off-base natural resource surveys or serve as a natural resources monitor during active construction.
Perform other duties as assigned.