Natural Resource Specialist 3 (PCN 10-N24027)

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, is recruiting for a Natural Resource Specialist 3 in Anchorage.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

What You Will Be Doing:

The Realty Services Section, Title Unit, is seeking someone to fill a non-permanent position on our 10-person team to complete title reports for the Division of Mining, Land, and Water. In this position, you will help provide title assurance for state land use authorizations by:

• Researching state land ownership, including searching records in numerous databases, reviewing document records, and using mapping applications to complete your research.
• Delving into state and federal laws, common property law, and title industry practices that help frame the transfer and creation of land ownership and encumbrances in Alaska.
• Writing legally defensible title reports memorializing your research findings.

Mission and Values/Culture:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mission is to “Develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska's natural resources consistent with the public interest.” The DMLW mission is to “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.”

The Realty Services Section's role is to support DNR and DMLW’s missions by ensuring a clear title for the disposal of state land and the issuance of authorizations on state land. We value legally defensible, in-depth, accurate land title research and providing excellent customer service to our agency colleagues. Our contributions to the state help determine long-term land-ownership patterns in Alaska.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Our section is a dynamic, positive learning environment that supports teamwork and collaboration, while also requiring and supporting autonomous work that meets staff's needs. You will learn complex land ownership concepts and coordinate with many Division sections to solve problems affecting all corners of the state.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

Realty Services is an excellent environment for those seeking a work-life balance. It is located in downtown Anchorage, on the 10th floor of the Atwood Building. Parking is provided, and secure bike storage is available for pedal commuters. The daily work environment is quiet and consists of research-based desk work, with opportunities to collaborate within and outside the section. The Realty Team is friendly, cooperative, and supportive. Our Section supports flexible hours or an alternate work week. This position is potentially eligible for telework and hybrid schedules.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.

• Critical Thinking: Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Mining, Land & Water.

Minimum Qualifications

Competency-Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions
This job class uses competency-based minimum qualifications. Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

Competency Description
The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class. They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency. They typically list expectations instead of specific tasks and are only used as parameters and guidelines. A competency’s description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to meet the competency successfully, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options for how an applicant can meet the job expectation.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Decision-Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Environmental Science: Knowledge of the interdisciplinary concepts, principles, theories, and methods of investigating the natural and physical environment, including examination of ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, atmospheric, and other related sciences in the protection and improvement of the environment and its resources.
• Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
• Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

equivalent to those typically gained by:

Education in a natural resource field such as forestry, geology, agronomy, and hydrology, law, public administration, planning, economics, or a closely related field and/or progressively responsible professional experience in natural resource management.

Definitions:

“Competencies” means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.

“Professional experience” means work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment.

“Progressively responsible” means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.

“Qualified” means is assessed to credibly possess the competencies needed to learn the job in a reasonable period.

“Training” and “education” in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.

“Typically gained by” means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.

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

** Please read the information below carefully. **

At the time of the interview, please ensure that you provide the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:

• A copy of educational transcripts, if relied upon to demonstrate competencies.
• A list of three professional references with current contact information, if not provided as part of your application, including the name, employer, and current telephone number of the reference. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor.
• A copy of your last two performance appraisals (if you are a current or former State of Alaska employee) or similar performance assessments, or two letters of reference if performance evaluations are not available.
• A resume with complete job history, if not provided as part of your application.
• A short written response to a prompt that will be sent out after interviews are scheduled.

Application Notice

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions for applying are available on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage. Your application must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.

Supplemental Questions

For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. The State of Alaska (SOA) uses four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant’s competence in applying specific behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You must rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions.

Education

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not yet obtained a degree, please indicate the units you have completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education

Education completed at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If using this education to meet minimum qualification requirements, you must demonstrate that the credentials have been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in standard U.S. education programs. Alternatively, an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution must report that the other institution's transcript is given full value or that full value is recognized in relevant subject areas aligned with the post-secondary institution's curricula. It is your responsibility to provide this evidence when applying.

Work Experience

If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and whether the minimum qualifications are met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.

Note: Attaching a resume does not substitute for completing the application in full. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

Bargaining Unit

If you are a current state employee, please indicate the union to which you belong at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.

Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats should 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 in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

For assistance with your password, please visit the password reset page.

For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:

Harvey Templeton

Natural Resource Manager

Phone: 907-269-8468

Email: harvey.templeton@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 https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.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 https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01 Please rate your level of proficiency in Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

02 Please rate your level of proficiency in Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

03 Please rate your level of proficiency Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

04 Please rate your level of proficiency in Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

05 Please rate your level of proficiency in Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

06 Please rate your level of proficiency in Environmental Science: Knowledge of the interdisciplinary concepts, principles, theories, and methods of investigating the natural and physical environment, including examination of ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, atmospheric, and other related sciences in the protection and improvement of the environment and its resources.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

07 Please rate your level of proficiency in Critical Thinking: Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

08 Please rate your level of proficiency in Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

09 Please rate your level of proficiency in Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

10 Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question