Job Description
Job Description
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Mining, Land & Water.
Are you interested in land use planning and developing policies for managing Alaska’s natural resources? The Department of Natural Resources is recruiting for a Natural Resource Specialist 2/3 Flex to join the Resource Assessment and Development Section of the Division of Mining, Land and Water. Based in the Anchorage office, this position will help plan for the future use and management of Alaska's state-owned land and water, aiming toward maximum use consistent with the public interest. By providing a link between the citizens and the agencies charged with managing their land, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute towards determining Alaska’s land use policies and establishing a sustainable future for Alaskans.
Mission and Culture The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, manages over 100 million acres of lands and waters with the mission to “Develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska's natural resources consistent with the public interest.” The DMLW's mission 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.”
RADS’s role is to support DNR and DMLW’s mission by developing area plans for large areas of state land (up to 15 million acres), both uplands and shorelands, that establish the land use designations for state land that describe their intended uses and identifies general management guidelines for major resources and land uses within the planning area as well as guidelines for the development and use of resources for specific parcels. RADS also develops management plans that focus on a particular smaller geographic area or resource and provide more detailed guidance to the Department.
Core Responsibilities At the NRS 2 level, this position works independently or as a member of a team to develop resource analyses, plan designations, and management intent statements for specific parcels of state land. This position utilizes ArcGIS to evaluate resource data, create resource maps, and depict resource data and other information in associated documents. This position assists other programs/sections with land research, and supports other sections as needed to prepare mineral orders, plan amendments, and other related documents to ensure state land is appropriately classified for sale or lease. This position may serve as project manager for less complex and contentious planning projects.
At the NRS 3 level, this position functions as the project manager in the development of plans for state lands that are managed by DNR. This position is responsible for managing the plan development process, including formulation of land and resource allocation proposals, policies, management intent, and guidelines for large areas of state lands. This position represents the department in several capacities, including as a member of planning teams or advisory committees that interpret and discuss policy issues. This position involves engendering trust and building relationships with staff and decision-makers in various agencies; developing extensive expertise in planning, long-standing issues, federal and state regulatory frameworks, policies, and land management authorities; and negotiating frequently with parties that may not share the Department's perspective.
Benefits of Joining Our Team You will be joining a lively team of experienced natural resource professionals with diverse backgrounds.
The nature of the work impacts most sections within the division as well as multiple divisions within DNR, which offers significant opportunities to learn about the work of DMLW and other programs within the department. We offer flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities that foster a work/life balance.
The Working Environment You Can Expect This position is located in downtown Anchorage in the Robert B. Atwood Building. With a private cubicle in a friendly office setting, this is primarily an office position with opportunities for occasional travel throughout the state to research information, meet with the public and agency representatives, and conduct public meetings. Travel methods include jet aircraft, small commercial aircraft, boats, highway vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and overland travel. This travel often requires overnight stays and may include camping in remote areas of Alaska.
This is a challenging and engaging job with a diverse workload. The planning staff works with a wide variety of stakeholders, and the incumbent must be able to foster and maintain working relationships with local, state, and federal agency staff that we interact with routinely. Planning staff also frequently interact with the public during the planning process, and the incumbent must be able to present complex and controversial information in a variety of venues.
We are looking for someone with the following competencies: - 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.
- Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort, including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).
- 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.
- Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Mining, Land & Water.
Minimum Qualifications
Natural Resource Specialist 2 – Starting Salary $2229.75 biweekly.
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.
- 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.
- Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
- 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), public administration, planning, economics, cartography, or a closely related field and/or professional-level experience in natural resource management.
Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Starting Salary $2569.75 biweekly. 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
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
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):
- Cover letter (see instructions below).
- A complete resume including names, addresses and telephone numbers of previous employers.
- Copies of academic transcripts if using post-secondary education to demonstrate how you meet position-specific competencies AND knowledge, skills, and abilities that are desired/contribute to success in the position.
If selected for an interview , the applicant must provide the following:
- Three professional references (with current telephone numbers) that can be contacted regarding your job qualifications, at least two of which must be a current or former supervisor.
- A valid driver's license.
SPECIAL NOTICES - This position requires occasional travel throughout the state to research information, meet with the public and agency representatives, and conduct public meetings. Travel methods include jet aircraft, small commercial aircraft, boats, highway vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and overland travel. This travel often requires overnight stays and may include camping in remote areas of Alaska.
- Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License at the time of interview. If selected, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a valid Alaska Driver’s License prior to beginning employment.
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 professionally formatted cover letter is required for this position.
The cover letter should describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they pertain to the key responsibilities listed in the job description above. In addition, your application package will be reviewed to determine if you possess the experience, strengths, and behavioral characteristics that the division is seeking in an employee.
Your cover letter will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
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. Flexible Staffing This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.
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.
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 reset password page .
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Shawana Guzenski
Natural Resource Manager 2
Email: shawana.guzenski@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 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 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
A cover letter is required to complete your application for this position; failure to provide may result in your not being eligible for an interview. Have you attached a cover letter that follows the directions listed in the job announcement?
02
I understand that the education and/or experience being used to meet the minimum qualifications for this position must be adequately documented in this application to be considered. Attaching a resume is not an alternative to completing the application in full. Failure to submit a complete application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and your removal from consideration for this job opening.
- I acknowledge that I understand this requirement.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
* Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job, Flexible hours, Night shift,