Land and Resources Manager at Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, LLC – Kotzebue, Alaska

Title: Land and Resources Manager
Location: Kotzebue, AK
Status: Full Time

Position Summary:

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation (KIC) gained interim title to more than 200,000 acres of land following passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). KIC also acquired a variety of additional land holdings and continues to seek the acquisition of lands from the Federal government and through the purchase of parcels from private parties. KIC is seeking a Land and Resources Manager to ensure KIC land holdings are professionally managed in alignment with policies established by the KIC Board of Directors.

This role requires close collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management to secure fee simple title to ANCSA lands, as well as effective communication with local, regional, and federal agencies on land use and management matters. The Land Manager is responsible for recommending and implementing land management policies, while ensuring compliance with existing Board-approved policies.

The position also supports KIC staff in negotiating land acquisitions and purchase agreements, conducting land use and financial analyses, and advancing business operations related to land assets. Additional responsibilities include developing and managing annual budgets for field operations and equipment, coordinating project schedules and required safety training, preparing regular reports, and overseeing special projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Consistent with KIC Board land policies and under the direction of the President, advises on, implements, and executes strategies related to the management disposal and acquisition of lands.
• Develops policies, procedures, SOPs, programs, etc. in accordance with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to land acquisition, reconveyance, and use, in alignment with the KIC Board guidance.
• Administers the shareholder land sales program, cabin site leases, camping permits, and dog lot lease programs.
• Maintains the land management record-keeping system.
• Prepares, updates, and maintains accurate maps and geospatial records of land owned by the company.
• Implements hazardous waste management and land reclamation policies.
• Develops long-range projections of company gravel and recommends sources for obtaining gravel.
• Prepares timely and accurate permit applications to appropriate agencies for obtaining gravel.
• Inventories and develops draft annual budget for Land Department special projects, Technicians and Land and Realty Specialist.
• Inspects KIC lands using multiple modes of transportation including, but not limited to truck, ATV, snow machine, boat, airplane, hiking and walking.
• Ensures security of land and resources. Monitors for conditions that could result in injury or loss due to fire, flood, and any other man made or natural causes.
• Successfully completes training and maintains certification to carry and use a firearm training for protection from wildlife.
• Reports to President any unusual or suspicious conditions/behavior detected upon interaction with the public and assists with prosecution of trespass on KIC land.
• Gathers data during fieldwork and provide detailed written and oral reports of all activities on KIC lands to President, KIC Land Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Provides support to Operations Staff in developing and negotiating agreements related to the purchase, sale, or exchange of land.
• Works with conveyer (surveyor) to understand land ownership, size, location, etc.
• Logs, compiles, organizes, processes, and summarizes various types of land data; prepares reports, correspondence, and statistical analyses.
• Administers property leases, commercial use permits, and material sale agreements (sand, gravel and rock).
• Professionally represents KIC with shareholders, State and Federal agencies, business community, and the public.
• Operates or performs standard office duties such as general written or electronic correspondence, handling a variety of telephone and office equipment, and observing proper procedures to handle records or other materials.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings at the local, regional and national level dealing with KIC lands.
• Understands and applies federal and state land, fish, and game laws and regulations.
• Serves as a resource to KIC shareholders and the public by providing education on land ownership, access and development plans.
• Maintains land records, and other lands related documents in a well-organized manner allowing for the efficient retrieval of information.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President or the Board

Minimum Requirements:

• Willingness to uphold and promote company values: adaptability, honesty, hard work, cooperation, integrity and a commitment to quality.
• 5+ years of increasingly responsible work experience that demonstrates ability to meet core competency requirements.
• 3+ years of experience working in a land or natural resources field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to acquisition, reconveyance, and use.
• Work experience in Alaska with emphasis with Alaska Native Corporations, ANCSA and ANILCA.
• Understands Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA).
• Must have a working knowledge of n Global Positioning System (GPS) field use, GPS handheld units, and data collection.
• Experience with and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures.
• Proficiency with computers and productivity software (Microsoft 365 - Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Familiarity with local ecosystems and the environment, wilderness survival, cold weather operations for equipment and personnel, radio and satellite communication.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Willingness to carry a firearm, bear spray, and other protective equipment or materials as necessary for wildlife protection.
• Driver's license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Resource field (preferably wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry or natural resource management), Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or Business.
• AutoCAD certification, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience, surveying experience, drafting experience.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) software experience.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

Work performed outdoors will include exposure to extreme weather conditions. It will also include patrol and field data collection by car, truck, ATV, boat, snow machine, and/or airplane. Transportation can be bumpy and can cause whole-body vibrations, jarring, and/or awkward movements. Outdoor work requires walking over rough terrain, carrying up to a 50-pound pack in inclement weather conditions, and will require the ability to load, off-load and secure ATV, boat, or snow machine to trailer or pick-up bed for safe transport.

Work performed in an office setting requires use of telephone, computer, and other office equipment; frequent sitting, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, talking, hearing, and seeing (close/distance, central/peripheral, with depth perception and the ability to adjust focus); walking; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 4 hours; and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Benefits:

KIC offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees including Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401k with Match, Life and ADD Coverage, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off and Holidays, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discount Program, and more!

Apply on our website: https://kikiktagruk.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Disclaimer:

This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Successful candidates must adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and may be required to pass a background and/or Motor Vehicle Records check. The salary range for this position is based on several factors, including relevant experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.