This 90-day SkillBridge internship with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), Solid & Hazardous Waste Division, provides hands-on experience in environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and real-world problem solving. Participants work alongside experienced professionals on projects that directly impact public health, environmental safety, and land stewardship across the state.During the program, you’ll gain exposure to multiple environmental programs including waste permitting, site remediation, inspections, and compliance. You’ll build practical skills in environmental analysis, field inspections, data management, and technical reporting—while learning how federal and state regulations are applied in real-world situations.This opportunity is ideal for service members interested in careers in environmental science, natural resources, regulatory compliance, or public service.

This position helps assist the division in fulfilling its compliance, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities related to Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste facilities. The position functions as an inspector to ensure the safe and responsible management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste sites in Wyoming. Responds to spills/complaints and provides assistance with violations against the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules. The position will require responding to requests for information, including file review requests and waste characterization. This position coordinates and communicates with other programs in the Agency and Division to ensure compliance with Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.Develops, coordinates and performs inspections of solid and hazardous waste facilities, writes detailed reports and develops correspondence regarding technical issues. May coordinate with internal, public agencies and/or the private sector.Professional and respectful interactions with the regulated community, coworkers/managers across WDEQ and other agency representatives.Provide technical assistance to the public and/or industry to ensure and improve compliance with Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules.Conduct field investigations and inspections as needed to respond to spills and complaints from the public or other sources. Document the results of the investigations/inspections.Works with other staff to identify ongoing or common compliance issues and makes recommendations on compliance based on inspections and interpretations of regulations.Working with the Enforcement Coordinator, recommends level of enforcement response, penalties and settlement terms.Maintains inspection files and databases.Provides technical environmental guidance and instruction to agency projects.Reviews environmental monitoring reports and data, making appropriate recommendations with respect to the technical data and reports.Ability to distill technical or regulatory information accurately, and in a manner that can be understood by the public and the regulated community.Resolves conflict between technical opinions and personalities in a positive manner and works cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve compliance with Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulations and the objectives and requirements of the program and department.Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of solid and hazardous waste management systems and processes, including, but not limited to integrated waste management, recycling, and beneficial use.Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, policy and guidance.Promote waste minimization/pollution prevention (WM/P2) by learning/documenting WM/P2 practices observed during job activities.Works directly with other state and federal agencies.Analyzes complex environmental data and draws conclusions.Provides technical assistance for questions related to policies, procedures and statutes.Determines accuracy of data collection & computation methods.Responsible for environmental technical writing.Participates in compliance reviews.Applies and interprets complex rules, regulations, guidelines or standards.Has ongoing communication with regulated community at entry or mid management level.Represent SHWD in meetings and provides appropriate recommendations for resolving compliance issues.Develop and maintain a basic understanding of site investigation and cleanup to cooperate on corrective action sites.Work independently within areas of major responsibility.Qualifications KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of basic waste management processes, including generation, storage, treatment and disposal.Knowledge of and ability to read, research, interpret and apply Federal, State and Local laws and regulations as applicable as they apply to waste management and waste characterization. Knowledge of principles of team structure/function and ability to cooperatively participate in a team.Ability to work as a team member of professionals, to take direction, and meet deadlines.Skill in written, oral, and electronic communication.Skill in use of personal computers for word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications. Ability to effectively schedule and manage multiple priorities within deadlines.Ability to communicate (both oral and written) complex issues in clear, understandable and non-confrontational manner.Detail-oriented; strong ability to discern, track, and organize pertinent information in a complex regulatory environment.Ability to create, compose, review and edit technical written documents.Records maintenance skills.Ability to answer technical questions related to policies, procedures and statutes.Ability to make presentations to various interest groups and the public.Knowledge of OSHA requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910.120Basic knowledge of chemical handling and hazardous materials handling as it relates to inspected facilities and potential for generation of wastes.Basic knowledge of general industrial practices.Ability to learn basic operations of regulated entities to efficiently conduct inspections/compliance assurance.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