Natural Resources Analyst

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Performs district-wide vegetation reviews in the Land Quality Division (LQD), District III office with special emphasis using principles of vegetation surveys and rangeland sampling techniques to interpret baseline and post mine vegetation conditions. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent judgment and with minimal supervision.Human Resources Contact: Cindy Hayden cindy.hayden1@wyo.gov - (307)777-7939

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Responsible for completing reviews of LQD District III coal and non-coal mine-related vegetation surveys, re-vegetation, and husbandry practices.

• Review and approve vegetation survey sampling plans and protocols.

• Serves as permit coordinator for mining operations, as assigned by the District Supervisor.

• Provides technical expertise and performs reviews of permits in support of other LQD Staff, as necessary and assigned by the District Supervisor.

• Conducts inspections of mining operations to determine compliance and writes detailed inspection reports.

• Has authority to issue Violations and Cessation Orders, and determine appropriate mitigation measures during a coal inspection without authorization from upper management.

• Writes appropriate and necessary enforcement actions (Conference and Conciliation, Notice of Violation, Order, etc.) in a complete and timely fashion which may include the development of a Settlement Agreement when appropriate.

• Works directly with other state and federal agencies.

• Performs and coordinates interdisciplinary technical reviews for complex permitting actions.

• Recommends approval of complex permits and reclamation performance bond estimates and assists in regulating district exploration drilling programs.

• Participates in various LQD and industry workgroups, as assigned.

• Develops/revises rules, guidance documents, and procedures as assigned.

• Confers with public officials, representatives of private industry and consultants in the resolution of permitting issues relevant to the LQD program.

• Responds to and resolves, within delegated authority, concerns raised by the public and other agencies.

• Responsible for developing contractor/consultant solicitations, and review and evaluate work performed under consultant contracts.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference with be given to those with a Bachelor's degree in botany, plant physiology, rangeland management, biology, environmental science or closely related field.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the principles of vegetation survey protocols and data compilation.

• Knowledge and experience in conducting vegetation baseline mapping surveys for mining activities.

• Knowledge of principles of re-vegetation establishment and husbandry practices in coal and non-coal mining environments.

• Knowledge and application of basic statistics (t-tests and minimum sampling size).

• Ability to identify plant species of the west to include native, introduced and noxious weeds.

• Ability to visually assess cover and species composition of rangeland and reclaimed mine sites.

• Ability to prioritize workload, resolve conflicts, solve complex problems, travel and work in the field.

• Ability to communicate, work cooperatively with staff and the regulated community, prioritize workload, resolve conflicts, solve complex problems, travel, and work in the field.

• Understanding of permitting, regulating, and enforcing state environmental law; and an understanding of the practices of mining operations and reclamation procedures.

• Experience with global positioning systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and maintenance and design of relational databases.

• Skill in the application of scientific principles to effectively analyze problems and situations which potentially threaten the environment due to mining-related activities.

• Skill in the use of personal computers for word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications; and query and mapping from GIS databases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's (typically in The Sciences)

Experience:

0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some travel is required.

• Must be able to hike over rough terrain.

• Must be able to deal with all types of inclement weather.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt

• Must have a valid Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

020-Department of Environmental Quality - Land Quality Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

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

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.