Chief of Planning and Special Projects 2026-00959

Chief of Planning and Special Projects 2026-00959

Salary

$9,754.66 - $10,838.51 Monthly

Location

Cheyenne, WY

Job Type

At-Will Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00959

Department

Game & Fish Division

Division

Directors Office

Opening Date

04/01/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

EXMT02

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Chief of Planning and Special Projects located in Cheyenne, WY. This position will have direct oversight and responsibility over high-priority projects issued from the Commission, the Directors Office, the senior leadership team, and/or as a result of legislative actions. As part of this oversight, they will assign critical tasks across multiple divisions and provide guidance and direction to ensure project outcomes are met according to the agencys mission and priorities. Successful project completion will require this position to coordinate with Division Chiefs, other agency personnel, other state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations as needed. This position will also be required to directly lead or oversee internal teams and committees to provide continuity and direction in achieving department goals and will be involved in developing the agencys strategic plan. This position is also responsible for the consistent administration of Commission policies across the agency and provides support to the Directors Office and Staff regarding these policies. This position acts as the agencys custodian of public records requests and directs the administrative process of fulfilling those requests in accordance with State statutes and Commission regulations. This position will serve on the agencys senior leadership team.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.shott@wyo.gov

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

• Guiding the work by division administrators and other employees to complete high-priority assignments from the Governors Office, Game and Fish Commission, and the Directors Office.
• Leading and guiding the work of employees throughout the agency on all public records requests. This work will require close coordination with the Attorney Generals Office to administer the process in accordance with statute and Commission regulation to ensure privileged and confidential information is not released.
• Leading and participating on internal teams working on high-priority projects and planning efforts.
• Actively participating on the Agencys senior leadership team.
• Providing oversight to ensure consistent application and compliance with Game and Fish Commission policies and internal directives; guiding development and approval of new policies and directives.
• Serve on the Governor's Crash Review Committee to review all state of Wyoming vehicle accidents.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

• Preference will be given to individuals with work experience in fish and wildlife management.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience in team leadership, project management, and natural resource policy work.
• Bachelors degree PLUS 5 years of professional work experience in business, public administration, or wildlife management.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Skill in organizational leadership
• Skill in advanced problem-solving of complex issues
• Ability to work as a team and promote highly functioning teams
• Skill in effective communication across varied groups and individuals
• Ability to interpret and develop statutes and regulations
• Knowledge of Agency policies, processes, sections, and strategy
• Knowledge and wide breadth of understanding of wildlife conservation
• Skill in maintaining organization
• Knowledge of budget management and contract administration
• Knowledge of Agency-related state statutes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

None - See "Preferences"

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily office setting, with in-state and occasional out-of-state travel.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• This is an AT-WILL position, which serves under the direction of the Director.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• Must apply using the State of Wyoming online application system to be considered.
• Please attach a letter of interest (limit 1 page) and leadership philosophy (limit 1 page) to Eric Wiltanger, Deputy Director, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, when submitting your application.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

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.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

Do you have 5 or more years of professional work experience in business, public administration, or wildlife management?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have previous experience in team leadership, project management, and natural resource policy work?

• Yes
• No

05

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

06

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

07

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

08

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

09

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

10

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

11

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

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