Are you interested in working in a dynamic team responsible for managing Alaska’s land for pipelines? Do you enjoy complex and interesting work? Are you a strong collaborator who finds solutions and enjoys working in a professional environment? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Oil and Gas, is seeking to fill a Natural Resource Specialist 4 position in the Projects Program at the State Pipeline Coordinator’s Section (SPCS) in Anchorage. The position requires high-level research and technical writing skills and strong communication skills for working with industry/public and agency representatives, which includes responding to inquiries and discussing proposed/ongoing activities taking place on state land. The duties require a clear understanding of the applicable laws, regulations, and policies in order to write documents that provide accurate information to the public and authorize development on state land for pipeline projects.
Mission and Culture
The DNR mission is to "develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska's natural resources consistent with the public interest." The State Pipeline Coordinator’s Section (SPCS) of the Division of Oil and Gas provides regulatory oversight of common-carrier and contract-carrier transportation pipelines authorized under Alaska Statute 38.35, the Right-of-Way Leasing Act. To facilitate a comprehensive oversight program, the SPCS works closely with other divisions within the Department of Natural Resources and with dedicated liaisons from the Departments of Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, Labor and Workforce Development, and Public Safety.
This position is critical to the successful and timely issuance of DNR authorizations necessary for the potential establishment of pipeline projects. It is primarily responsible for developing legal land contracts required for pipeline projects and other associated documents related to the permitting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines. This position requires a thorough understanding of all aspects of natural resource management and familiarity with world-scale construction projects, environmental impacts, mitigation, and basic engineering and erosion control concepts.
Core Responsibilities
This position serves as a member of the SPCS Special Projects program. The incumbent will support a Natural Resource Manager 3 and the State Pipeline Coordinator by researching highly complex and politically sensitive land use issues and developing terms and stipulations for legal land contracts required for proposed pipeline projects. The incumbent will represent the SPCS and DNR in negotiating agreements on land issues with representatives from the oil and gas industry, federal, local and state governments, and special interest groups.
The primary responsibilities of this position are understanding and interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for applications to the various land and resource activities associated with each proposed pipeline project. Additionally, this position must conduct research and analysis necessary to draft Commissioner’s Analyses regarding the fit, willingness, and ableness of applicants; consult and coordinate with other state, federal and local agencies and industry representatives to ensure project timelines and deadlines are met; and timely complete lease administration tasks such as conducting land status reviews, drafting Commissioner’s final findings and decisions, drafting legal descriptions, preparations and finalization of public notices, and updating the Land Administration System and Revenue and Billing System.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The SPCS Special Projects program is a small team that works collaboratively to provide excellent customer service, accurate research, and efficient coordination and manage land for proposed pipelines using state lands and resources. The SPCS Special Projects team provides meaningful work by working for the state of Alaska’s people by developing Alaska’s oil and gas resources consistent with its laws and regulations. The Special Projects team works with staff in the compliance, engineering, and right-of-way programs and other agency liaisons at the State Pipeline Coordinator’s Section.
The SPCS and Special Projects program also provides training, flexible working schedules, and career advancement opportunities.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The position is located on the 8th floor of the Atwood Building in downtown Anchorage. It has a 7.5-hour work schedule Monday through Friday, including core office hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Flexible work schedules or telework options may be available upon supervisor approval.
Office duties include but are not limited to negotiating the State’s position with respect to lease and permit conditions, effectively communicating both orally and in writing, gathering and analyzing technical information for writing documents such as DNR decisions, using and interpreting laws and regulations, land use plans, and policies and procedures; and the ability to use a variety of computer software including but not limited to the Microsoft suite, project management software, and the State’s Land Administration (LAS) and Revenue and Billing systems. The work can require occasional travel to field locations on the highway system or in remote Alaska, such as the North Slope, to conduct public hearings, observe pipeline construction, or when needed.
We Are Looking for a Candidate with the following:
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Experience managing land for the construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines or for the development of other natural resources.
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Experience with writing documents and the issuance of, or ensuring compliance with right-of-way leases, surface or subsurface leases, laws and regulations, legal land descriptions, final findings and decisions that are complex and can be contentious, public notices, permits, easements, best interest findings, and/or fit, willing, and able determinations.
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Experience with interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for natural resource management.
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Experience with effectively coordinating and communicating both orally and in writing with representatives from various state and federal agencies, boroughs, cities, corporations, oil and gas industry representatives, and the general public.
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Experience with Microsoft Office software and database management, such as the DNR Land Administration System (LAS), Revenue and Billing System (R&B), Alaska Mapper, and/or use of other GIS applications.
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:
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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.
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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.
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Influencing/Negotiating: Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.
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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.
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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, law, public administration, planning or economics 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 the purposes of the minimum qualifications, natural resource management is defined as the management of land, water, minerals, forests, oil, gas, agricultural, archaeological, natural and cultural history, parks, 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 definition of natural resource management. 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.
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants
must meet Alaska Residency Requirements to be considered for employment at this time.
At the time of application, the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):
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Professionally formatted cover letter – see instructions below.
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A copy of your academic transcripts if using education to meet minimum qualifications.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
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A professionally formatted resume.
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A copy of your last three (3) performance appraisals or three (3) letters of recommendation if evaluations are unavailable.
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A professional writing sample that you authored. A technical, regulatory, or policy document is preferred.
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A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information, one (1) of which must be from a former or current supervisor.
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Proof of a valid Alaska driver’s license.
SPECIAL NOTICES-
Must possess an Alaska driver’s license.
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Potential travel for inspecting state lands for land use activities that are proposed or have been authorized. Travel may occur via small aircraft, boats, commercial airplanes, helicopters, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, or foot travel. This position could travel throughout the state and in Arctic conditions and inclement weather. Trips could range from one to five days in length, occurring two to five times per year in camp conditions.
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the ideal experiences and abilities for this position. These traits must be documented in your cover letter. (Responses within your cover letter must be numbered in the order shown above in the KSAs and Competencies section.)
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. In addition, your application package will be reviewed to determine if you possess the experience and strengths we are seeking in an employee.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you are unable to attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.
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 obtained a degree, please indicate the units 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 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 the 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 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 minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. 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 mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are
not a current state employee.
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess 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 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) 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.
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 [email protected].
For assistance with your password, please visit the reset password page.
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Tammas Brown
Title: SPCS Operations Manager, Natural Resource Manager 3
