Natural Resources Program Principal-Statewide

This position will use technical expertise to evaluate safety plans, decommissioning plans, license termination plans, groundwater corrective actions, and radiological survey plans for uranium recovery activities. This position will develop and implement regulatory guidance and technical positions concerning uranium recovery operations. In addition, it will perform independent complex technical reviews, analysis and evaluation of license applications, renewals, amendments, radiological surveys and reports, restoration activities, and decommissioning plans.

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

• Inspect uranium recovery operators for compliance to a broad spectrum of regulations, and be able to analyze impacts of activities on public health, safety, and the environment.
• Provide program information and interpretation to the public, regulated communities, and other government agencies.
• Respond to public complaints; participate in the development of guidance documents and regulations focusing on a variety of topics.
• Serve as an expert witness in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Requires considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment, and is accountable to the completion of projects within defined time constraints.
• Obtain training to meet the requirements of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license reviewer and inspector. This will require moderate travel within the first two years to meet the qualifications (roughly eight weeks spread over a year for the first two years).
• Inspect mine sites within the State up to 6 times per year.
• Assist in standing up the agreement with the NRC by applying geology, hydrogeology, or engineering expertise to rules, guidance, and policy.
• Conduct the review and evaluation of technical submissions using Geological/Hydrogeology/or Engineering principals.
• Conduct inspections of uranium recovery operations to a broad spectrum of regulations.
• Produce detailed, well written technical reports, inspection reports, and division correspondence.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to those candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or other closely related field in addition to having specialized knowledge and experience with the principles, theories, and practices in either groundwater and surface water hydrology, fluid hydraulics, contaminant transport in groundwater and geology, environmental engineering, or health physics.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Specialized knowledge in radiological health or risk assessment.
• Ability to analyze environmental data and make informed decisions based on the data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NRC and Wyoming rules and regulations related to licensing and inspection of source material from recovery or milling and the management of 11e.(2) byproduct material.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Wyoming’s Underground Injection Program (UIC) and EPA requirements under such program.
• Ability to evaluate and solve a broad spectrum of technical problems related to environmental protection aspects of a licensee’s plans to clean up contaminated sites, perform environmental pathway modeling, and conduct environmental monitoring and sampling to verify performance.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical analysis, issues, and recommendations both orally and written to staff, the public, and the regulated community.
• Ability to prioritize work quickly so that deadlines are met while maintaining quality.
• Ability to train and manage staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of groundwater transport and geochemical models such as MT3D, MODFLOW, and PHREEQC.
• Knowledge and skills using CAD or GIS software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree (typically in The Sciences)
PLUS
Experience:
1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a(n) Natural Resources Analyst
OR
Education & Experience Substitution:
4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a(n) Natural Resources Analyst

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Travel is required.
• Must be able to walk on uneven or rough terrain.
• Must be able to deal with all types of weather.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Job will be located in Casper or Cheyenne, based on the location of the successful applicant.

Supplemental Information

020-Department of Environmental Quality – Land Quality Division