Water Protection Specialist

The Wyoming Outdoor Council is Wyoming's oldest independent statewide conservation group. In 1967, Tom Bell, also the founder of High Country News, came together with other conservation leaders to establish the Wyoming Outdoor Council. Since then, the Wyoming Outdoor Council has grown to be a nationally recognized leader in protecting Wyoming's natural heritage. We educate and activate citizens, work in alliances with many diverse partners, and, when necessary, take legal action to meet our mission, which is to protect Wyoming's environment and quality of life for future generations.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an attorney or a scientist with a strong background in water law, water policy, water management, and water or watershed science to help us advance our conservation goals related to Wyoming's waters. This position could include litigation, but litigation would not be the sole, or necessarily even the primary, area of work.

Primary activities would include engaging in the permitting activities of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality-Water Quality Division (WQD), such as issuing Wyoming Pollution Discharge Elimination Permits. Other WQD areas of focus could include requirements for underground injection, watershed protection, concentrated animal feeding operations, and the WQD's "use attainability analyses." The successful applicant would prioritize these projects by analyzing how each would protect Wyoming's natural environment and public health, focusing on aquatic resources.

The successful applicant would also monitor the permitting and regulatory activities of other state agencies that affect water policy and engage with these agencies as appropriate based on the anticipated impacts of the activity on environmental quality. Other state agencies with important implications for water resources include the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the office of the Wyoming State Engineer, and the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council.

With respect to all Wyoming state regulatory agencies engaged in water policy and management, the successful applicant would submit comments on proposed regulations and policies, attend public meetings and hearings on such activities, and engage in media and outreach efforts. He or she would also consider filing (if the successful applicant is an attorney) or retaining council to file (if the successful applicant is not an attorney) appeals of regulatory decisions with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council. If needed subsequent lawsuits might be filed in Wyoming state court.

Other particular work areas related to water policy and management include the following:

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have expertise and/or experience in developing maps through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.

The successful candidate will be organized, easy-going, and self-directed; have a good sense of humor; be a great communicator (in person and on paper); and meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Hydraulic fracturing used to stimulate production of oil and gas as it affects water resources;
• Solid waste disposal facilities;
• In-situ uranium mines as permitted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Bureau of Land Management. The successful applicant would watch for opportunities to promote state protection of in-stream water flows, and engage in those activities if appropriate. She or he would also engage in and attempt to influence proposals for transbasin diversions of water, such as the proposed Million Pipeline in western Wyoming.

In addition to interacting with state water agencies, the successful applicant would engage with the federal Environmental Protection Agency relative to water management and policy issues. Among other things these would include the Agricultural Use Protection Policy developed by the state and EPA's Clean Water Act section 303(d) to protect impaired waters and set total maximum daily loads for those waters. Engagement in EPA's triennial review of the state's water protection programs would also be expected.

The successful applicant, working with our legislative and energy advocate, would also participate in and work with the Wyoming state legislature on issues related to water and watershed policy and management.

The ideal candidate would have a law degree and would be licensed to practice law in Wyoming, or willing to become licensed, or have training in hydrology, water science, geochemistry, or other water-related technical training.

The successful candidate will be organized, easy-going, and self-directed; have a good sense of humor; be a great communicator (in person and on paper); and meet the following minimum qualifications:

• 5 or more years of experience or an academic background in water law, water policy, water management, and water science.
• Demonstrated community or academic leadership.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the geography, natural resources, and culture of Wyoming.
• Willingness to travel and meet people (approximately 4 days per month).
• Commitment to the mission of the Wyoming Outdoor Council.

Requirements:

The qualified candidate will be available for full-time employment. He or she will be well organized and highly productive in a fast-paced work environment, yet able to maintain equanimity and connection with fellow staff members. The candidate will have a bachelor's degree or higher and very strong writing, computer, speaking, interpersonal, and organizational skills. The ability to work with a diverse range of interest groups, often in a public setting or under exposure from the media, is critical. The ideal candidate would also have the ability to travel away from home for approximately 2-3 days at a time several days per year, generally in Wyoming.

Compensation: This is full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The Wyoming Outdoor Council will provide excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits; a generous leave policy; and the opportunity to participate in a retirement plan.

Start Date: September 15, 2012

To Apply:

Please email a letter of interest explaining how your experience and skills match this position, a resume, 2 writing samples, and contact and relationship information for 3 references to Linda Sisco (enter "Water Protection Specialist" in the subject line). The position will remain open until filled; we will begin reviewing applications on August 1, 2012.