Natural Resource Specialist II (PCN 1895) Details

Natural Resource Specialist II (PCN 1895)

State of Alaska - Fairbanks, AK

Employment Type : Full-Time

This position is open to Alaska Residents only
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water
Join DNR’s Land Conveyance Section!

The Land Conveyance Section is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist II to develop land sale projects in support of DNR’s land sale programs.
Would you enjoy working with a dynamic group assisting Alaskan residents and non-residents obtain their very own piece of Alaska? Are you interested in a challenging and fulfilling career where you can learn new skills and develop professionally? Do you have a passion for State land management and stewardship? If you answered yes, then our positive, motivated team may be a fit for you!
The mission of the Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) is to provide for the appropriate use and management of Alaska's state-owned land and water, aiming toward maximum use consistent with the public interest. Within DMLW, the Land Conveyance Section helps fulfill this mission by providing the opportunity for private land ownership through a variety of unique land sale programs. For decades Alaskans have reaped rewards of staking remote parcels in the Interior, building dream cabins along the rivers of the Mat-Su, and launching fishing vessels from the shores of their own beach property in Southeast. The goal has been, and continues to be, to create opportunities to get Alaska Lands into Alaskan Hands. This position is instrumental in helping Alaskans to fulfill their dreams of land ownership and helps drive the economy of the State. The Land Conveyance Section is a highly dynamic team of professionals who highly value both collaboration, personal motivation, and the drive to accept challenges.

Core Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for identifying and researching potential land sale projects, preparing best interest finding decisions to authorize those projects for sale, and coordinating the development and offering of those projects. This work requires using multiple research resources to identify pertinent information, organizing and compiling data, and ultimately using the information to make a complete and thorough recommendation on land use and development. This includes planning and coordination with multiple sections, agencies, interest groups, and the public, including occasionally organizing and conducting public meetings. This position will prepare the development of all forms of DNR competitive land sales, including subdivision projects, Remote Recreational Cabin Sites projects, and agricultural projects.

The Land Conveyances Section is a highly collaborative team where team members regularly share ideas and solutions, and work through challenges together. The project development staff work together and with other staff to provide a service that is meaningful to Alaska residents and helps support the Alaska economy. The work we do is challenging, and though this position you will be introduced to many facets of land management and development. The office environment is friendly, relaxed, and highly supportive. There is the opportunity for flexible work schedules and telework.

This position is located in the Fairbanks DNR office building, with a private cubicle in a relaxed office setting. The office is located within a wooded lot with a lawn and pond for relaxing outside on nice days. The office is easy walking distance of from coffee shops, restaurants, and the grocery store. The office is very friendly, and we enjoy a family atmosphere with regular group gatherings and celebrations. The work will require occasional, short duration travel for field work in Alaska’s remote lands.
Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies
We are seeking an individual with the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Research abilities, including reading, interpreting, and applying information from land records, plats and maps, technical and legal documents, policies and procedures, and GIS software;
• Coordination and collaboration skills, and the ability to remain professional in difficult or potentially contentious situations;
• Strong planning and decision-making skills and the ability to make complete and thorough recommendations on land use and development; and
• Independence, self-motivation, and the desire to learn and problem solve.

Special Notice
Travel as described in the Position Description is essential and required. Travel involves occasionally journeying through Alaska's remote lands by hiking, snowshoeing, and travelling by snow machine, ATV, boat, small aircraft, or other means of conveyance to attend public meetings, conduct field inspections, investigate trespass/unauthorized use, and parcel monitoring. Such travel occasionally requires overnight stays and harsh weather conditions are sometimes encountered.
Valid Alaska driver's license free of restrictions on independent operation of a motor vehicle at any time for any length of time.
A Public Notary Commission is preferred, but not required in advance (this may be obtained after hire).

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a natural resource field (such as forestry, geology, agronomy, and hydrology), public administration, planning, economics, cartography, or a closely related field.

OR:
Two years of entry level professional experience in natural resource management. The required experience includes work such as a Natural Resource Specialist I, Forester I, Park Ranger I, Geologist I, Hydrologist I, Agronomist I, Historian I, Archaeologist I, Environmental Specialist I, Recorder III, Cartographer I, or Planner I with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

OR
One year of graduate study from an accredited institution (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of graduate level coursework equals one year) in a natural resource field (such as forestry, geology, agronomy, and hydrology), law, planning or public administration or a closely related field.

Special Note:
For purposes of the minimum qualifications, natural resource management is defined as the management of the land, water, mineral, forest, oil, gas, agricultural, archaeological, natural and cultural history, park, and related surface and subsurface resources. Experience or education in natural resource management means involvement in the above resources exclusively. Those with experience or education in managing these resources may specialize in different management functions (for example, planning, regulation, research or title). All of this experience is applicable to the natural resource management definition. Some positions may require education in a particular area of natural resource management or specific technical knowledge and training gained through specialized education or progressively greater responsibilities at the lower levels of the series.

Additional Required Information

**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
At time of application, applicant must attach as separate documents (If unable to attach please fax or email the contact listed below):

• Professionally formatted cover letter – please see cover letter information above and below for more information on the cover letter; and
• A resume with complete job history, including the names and current telephone numbers of previous employers.

If selected for an interview, applicants must provide the following:

• A copy of your last two (2) performance appraisals (if you are a current or former State of Alaska employee) or two (2) letters of recommendation from a former supervisor;
• A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information, one (1) of which must be from a former or current supervisor;
• Professional writing sample for which the applicant was the author or major contributing author. The professional writing sample should illustrate the applicant's ability to explain detailed or complex information in a clear and concise manner. The writing sample may be an excerpt of a larger document, or multiple smaller documents;
• A copy of any documents necessary to show proof of meeting this position’s minimum qualifications. This includes a copy of your college transcripts if you are using education to meet the position’s minimum qualifications; and
• A valid Driver’s License.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLYThis recruitment is open to Alaska Residents Only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time. Non-Alaska residents need not apply.
APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as ALEXsys or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska login to successfully apply. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the date of closing. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/howtoapply/
COVER LETTER INFORMATIONIn addition to answering the supplemental question regarding how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, a cover letter is required. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax it to the contact number provided in the job posting. The cover letter will be used as a writing sample and will help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
EDUCATIONIf post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATIONEducation completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCEIf using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. An individual without a valid driver's license, who meets the minimum age and experience requirements, may apply for the vacancy. An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon acquisition of a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Tim ShillingTitle: Natural Resource ManagerPhone: (907) 451-2734Fax: (907) 451-2703Email: timothy.shilling@alaska.gov

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/programs/index.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/retirement/index.html for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Eleven paid holidays a year
• Gym discounts at participating fitness providers in multiple locations throughout the state.

See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/ghlb/employee/health/gymListing.html for additional information