Natural Resource Specialist 3 - PAAD LTNP (PCN 10-N24024)

State of Alaska • Anchorage, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, is recruiting a Natural Resource Specialist 3 for the Public Access Assertion and Defense (PAAD) Section in Anchorage. The position is open to Alaska residents only.

The role works on projects concerning the navigability of rivers and lakes statewide, the legal validity and location of state-owned trails and rights-of-way, and other public access issues. Work includes research and analysis, geospatial analysis, data collection, title and historical research, remote fieldwork, interagency review and comments, responding to public inquiries, and assigned administrative and logistical support within the PAAD Section.

The PAAD Section is a small team of professionals working to protect public access to Alaska’s natural resources, lands, and waters. Its work draws on fields including law, history, archaeology, hydrology, geomorphology, and geology, and may involve litigation, administrative proceedings, modern data-collection methods, and remote fieldwork. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with experts across disciplines and contribute to projects affecting state ownership, management, and control of state lands.

The team is based on the tenth floor of the Atwood Building in Anchorage and also attends meetings and proceedings elsewhere. Remote fieldwork occurs across Alaska and may include self-sustaining, multi-day camping trips in remote locations. Fieldwork may involve interviewing witnesses, recovering archival data, and reviewing document collections. Field skills are needed, and additional training will be provided as required. The work involves regular interaction with PAAD colleagues, state and federal staff, outside experts, attorneys, user groups, Native Corporations, and the public. The position handles sensitive and confidential materials and requires compliance with confidentiality rules. It requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Requirements

• Competencies in analytical thinking and problem solving, decision-making, environmental science, legal, government, and jurisprudence, and writing.
• Competencies may be gained through education in a natural resource field, law, public administration, planning, economics, or a closely related field, and/or progressively responsible professional experience in natural resource management.
• Knowledge of project management principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring costs, work, and contractor performance.
• Knowledge of research methods and processes, including study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results.
• Ability to adapt planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address competing demands and priorities.
• Field skills; additional field training will be provided as needed.
• Ability to follow confidentiality rules when handling sensitive and confidential materials.
• A valid driver's license must be brought to an interview if invited.
• Must be an Alaska resident.
• The position requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition; individuals disqualified under the stated federal restriction on misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence may not hold the position.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience using ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze the navigability of rivers and lakes throughout Alaska.
• Research the legal validity and location of state-owned trails and rights-of-way.
• Address other public access issues.
• Conduct geospatial analysis, data collection, title research, and historical research.
• Perform remote fieldwork to collect data supporting PAAD projects.
• Provide public-access-related review and comments in interagency processes, as assigned.
• Respond to public inquiries, as assigned.
• Perform PAAD administrative and logistical duties, including gear purchase and maintenance, assisting teammates with fieldwork, maintaining inventories, and completing required accounting.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with experts and professionals from diverse fields.
• Opportunity to participate in high-profile projects advancing state strategic public-access priorities.
• Opportunity to contribute to projects affecting state ownership, management, and control of state lands.
• Opportunity to participate in remote fieldwork in areas across Alaska.
• Opportunity to work as part of a specialized team within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed