Natural Resources Analyst 2024-01282

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program works to reduce unregulated nonpoint sources of pollution to Wyoming's water resources by providing technical and financial assistance for voluntary, locally-led projects to protect and restore waterbodies, thereby fulfilling state responsibilities under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The purpose of this position is to lead and implement the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program, including administering CWA Section 319 and Section 205(j)/604(b) grant funds, completing strategic program planning, evaluating program effectiveness, conducting outreach and education activities, coordinating program oversight with the Nonpoint Source Task Force, and building partnerships with agencies and organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. This position works extensively with other DEQ/WQD Clean Water Act programs to effectively conduct watershed protection, restoration, and monitoring activities. This position routinely coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency to administer grants and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

The successful candidate may reside or relocate to Cheyenne, Lander, Sheridan, or Casper, with the condition that office space exists in that location.

Human Resource Contact: DEQ HR /deq.hr@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 at the job level.

• Completes all required grant administration activities, including applying for grants, reporting, budgeting, and tracking.

• Issues Requests for Proposals and conducts an evaluation process to select proposals for funding with the Nonpoint Source Task Force.

• Manages project implementation, including issuing cooperative agreements, training project sponsors, reviewing reimbursement requests, tracking project progress, obtaining required reports, and tracking project/grant budgets.

• Provides project oversight, assists with project management, and updates databases.

• Coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency routinely on grants administration; reviews federal regulations and guidance to ensure program compliance.

• Liaisons with and coordinates activities of the Nonpoint Source Task Force.

• Leads efforts to update strategic management planning documents and best management practice manuals for the program.

• Assists local agencies and organizations with watershed planning and restoration activities.

• Routinely attends local, state, and federal partner meetings and presents information for the program.

• Coordinates with other DEQ/WQD programs (e.g., Assessment, TMDL, Monitoring, Standards) to effectively plan and implement nonpoint source pollution reduction activities.

• Coordinates and provides technical assistance on activities to evaluate project and program effectiveness, including water quality monitoring and modeling activities. May assist with collection of water quality monitoring data in the field.

• Reports to the public and program partners on program accomplishments; conducts outreach and education to raise awareness of the program, nonpoint source pollution, and water quality.

• Provides comments on federal initiatives affecting the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program and as needed, contributes information regarding proposed legislation to DEQ management.

• Maintains program records.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to those individuals with a Bachelor's degree in watershed management or related fields with past experience with grants management, watershed restoration projects, and water quality monitoring/modeling.

KNOWLEDGE:

• This position requires technical knowledge related to watershed planning, restoration, and monitoring for nonpoint source pollution.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written are required, and the position requires public speaking at meetings with local, state, and federal partners.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain partnerships.

• This position requires organization and time-management skills and attention to detail.

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 & ExperienceSubstitution:

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:

• Must be able to walk/hike in adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain.

• Must be able to do extensive traveling throughout the state.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt

• The successful candidate may reside or relocate to Cheyenne, Lander, Sheridan, or Casper, with the condition that office space exists in that location.

Supplemental Information

020-Department of Environmental Quality - Water 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.