Recreational Water Quality Analyst 2024-02414

Salary $5,147.99 - $5,719.99 Monthly

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

This position coordinates Wyoming’s Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (HCB) Program and assists with the development of Wyoming’s surface water quality standards. Coordinating the HCB program involves working with DEQ staff and partners to develop resources and implement strategies to identify and monitor HCBs such that potential health risks are communicated to partners and the public. Development of surface water quality standards involves ensuring that Wyoming’s designated uses, water quality criteria, and antidegradation provisions are consistent with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and federal Clean Water Act. Additional duties for this position include the development of numeric and narrative water quality criteria; modifications to surface water designated uses when appropriate; data collection, management, and analysis; geographic information systems projects and data management; technical document preparation; participating in state, national, and international working groups; responding to public inquiries; and other duties as assigned.

Cheyenne is a steadily growing community along the Front Range but still true to the history of the Old West. The city offers nearby access to mountain biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Wyoming is one of only nine states with no state income tax. 

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 that may be performed at the job level.

• Coordinates updates to Wyoming's HCB action plan, standard operating procedures, webpage, signage, and other resources necessary to investigate and provide timely information to cooperators and the public regarding HCBs.
• Coordinates sample collection and analysis with WDEQ staff and partners, including study design, sampling and analysis plan development, data collection, compilation, evaluation, statistical analyses, literature review, technical document development, and review of scientific studies necessary to support HCB response. 
• Ensures data collection meets applicable quality assurance, and quality control provisions.
• Coordinates use of satellite imagery and geographic information systems datasets to identify, monitor, and address HCBs.
• Coordinates dissemination of information to cooperators and the public regarding HCBs, including any health advisories, necessary signage, etc.
• Review technical information, literature, and other resources to inform HCB program updates and revisions.
• Coordinates HCB Program data storage.
• Participates in state, regional, and national working groups.
• Responds to inquiries from the media and public.
• Reviews EPA recommended water quality criteria, evaluates applicability to Wyoming's surface waters and develops technical comments in response to public notices of draft recommended water quality criteria.
• Researches state and federal regulations and guidance on development of and modifications to surface water quality standards.
• Assists with design, sampling, and analysis plan development, data collection, compilation, evaluation, statistical analyses, literature reviews, technical document development, and review of scientific studies necessary to support surface water quality standards.
• Assists with the development of outreach materials to support the development of surface water quality standards and implementation materials, including presentations, webinars, webpages, fact sheets, etc.
• Assists with responding to stakeholder comments regarding revisions to surface water quality standards.
• Provides GIS expertise and database support.
• Develops, collects, and maintains GIS data for the surface water quality standards program.
• Develops and maintains web maps and other GIS-based products for use by WDEQ and the public.
• Assists in representing Wyoming in work groups.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Code of Federal Regulations, EPA guidance, Wyoming’s Surface Water Quality Standards, Wyoming Statutes, regulations, and guidance.
• Knowledge of chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring and assessment techniques and development sampling and analysis plans and quality assurance/quality control plans.
• Experience with collection, management, and statistical analyses of chemical, physical, and biological water quality data.
• Knowledge of harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS 10.x, including editing and the use of Advanced (ArcInfo tools) and file geodatabases.
• Experience with web applications for GIS, the National Hydrography Dataset, and NHDPlus.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access (queries and reports).
• Ability to be resourceful, solve complex problems, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate with other personnel.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with particular proficiency in explaining complex technical and/or regulatory issues and concerns to varied audiences.
• Ability to research, summarize information, document work, develop technical documents, and maintain records.

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:

This position requires the ability to walk/hike in rugged terrain, and conduct field work in wet, slippery, cold, and muddy conditions. This position requires travel in and out of state.  

NOTES:
 

• FLSA: Exempt 

Supplemental Information

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

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

Information

• Location: Cheyenne, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Taxonomy

• GIS
• Analysis & Visualization
• Data & Analysis
• GIS Manager
• Data Analysis