Summary:
The Land Protection Officer (LPO) performs a broad range of tasks associated with the stewardship and management of all Ahtna owned land and natural resources specifically related to administering, accounting, and issuing Land Use Permits and Trespass Enforcement per Ahtna, Inc. Policy, and Procedures. This position is primary focused on trespass control in the more centralized Ahtna Region near Glennallen, Alaska.
The LPO is employed by the Land & Resources Department while assisting multiple natural resource partners in the management, improvement, and protection of Ahtna lands.
The LPO is required to carry a firearm for protection from wildlife; therefore, the LPO must successfully complete a certified firearms training course which can be provided by Ahtna Inc. upon appointment to the position.
Please note this is a Seasonal position located in the Glennallen and Chitina regions of Alaska.
The pay rate for this position is $30.96-$37.46/hour.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Monitor Ahtna lands by various modes of transportation including, but not limited to truck, All-Terrain Vehicles, snow machine, boat, airplane and hiking.
- Administer Land Use Permits to land users and enter into online databases.
- Inform Ahtna land users of current land status use and inform users of the current Ahtna Land Department’s terms and conditions of use.
- Write and input weekly reports into online database regarding issued land permits, patrols, and trespass violations.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to resolve customer and staff concerns.
- Be a local knowledge resource to Ahtna shareholders, Ahtna villages, and the Land and Resource Department in the Ahtna Region.
- Be a technical resource to local Ahtna shareholders and the general public to provide education about the location of Ahtna lands and management policies and procedures.
- Make weekly visits to Ahtna village council offices as invited.
- Proficiently use Global Positioning System (GPS) during field use.
- Navigate difficult geographical terrain and associated elements in remote locations in east-central Alaska under potential extreme climatic conditions.
- Ensures security of land and resources. Monitors for conditions that could result in injury or loss due to fire, flood, and any other man made or natural causes.
- Reports to supervisor any unusual or suspicious conditions/behavior detected upon interaction with the public.
- Maintains current training and certifications required for the position.
- Must understand basic federal and state land and fish and game laws and practices.
- Safely operate an ATV’s, including loading, unloading and backing trailers.
- Other duties as assigned by management and/or supervisor.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The requirements below reflect the practical knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience needed to support assigned operations.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Experience engaging with the public in a customer service or community-facing role, with the ability to communicate clearly, provide guidance, and maintain positive working relationships.
- Experience working in remote areas with no phone service.
- Experience and knowledge of Alaska land use patterns.
- Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native Cultures.
- Ability to respectively relay information regarding ownership of Ahtna Owned Lands.
- GPS Field Data Experience.
- Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a federal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in Law Enforcement, Military, or Security.
- Strong capabilities in Geographic Information System (GIS) data entry, integration and manipulation and proficiency in ESRI products such as ArcMap 10.5.
Shareholder Preference
Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendants, and Spouses in all phases of employment.
Core Competencies
- Administrative/Clerical – Working knowledge of administrative procedures and systems, including recordkeeping, reporting, data entry, and document management. Able to maintain accurate files and ensure timely completion of required documentation and reports.
- Analytical – Ability to assess complex or variable situations, evaluate information from multiple sources, and make sound, timely decisions to support field operations and land protection objectives.
- Change Management – Supports implementation of operational or organizational changes; communicates expectations clearly, promotes team understanding, and helps maintain continuity during transitions.
- Cost Consciousness – Demonstrates responsible stewardship of resources in field and operational environments; follows budget guidelines, identifies efficiencies, and minimizes waste.
- Records & Information Management – Maintains accurate and organized records in both electronic and hard-copy formats; ensures proper handling, storage, and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Law and Government – Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to land use, resource protection, public safety, and enforcement activities.
- Oral and Written Communication – Communicates clearly and professionally with team members, stakeholders, and the public; prepares reports, incident documentation, and correspondence; leads briefings or field discussions as needed.
- Leadership & Team Coordination – Provides guidance and direction to field personnel; supports training, mentoring, and day-to-day coordination of work activities; promotes accountability, safety, and consistent application of procedures.
- Operational Planning & Execution – Supports planning and coordination of land protection activities; prioritizes tasks, allocates resources, and ensures work is completed effectively in both routine and time-sensitive situations.
- Remote Field Operations – Demonstrates proficiency in remote and austere environments, including wilderness survival, first aid, and cold-weather operations; experienced with outdoor equipment (ATVs, boats, snow machines) and communication tools (radio and satellite systems).
- Public & Community Interaction – Demonstrated ability to engage professionally with the public, land users, and community stakeholders; provides information, addresses concerns, and represents the organization in a respectful and effective manner.
- Shareholder Relations – Demonstrated ability to understand and respond to Alaska Native Shareholder interests and concerns; supports positive engagement and maintains awareness of cultural and community considerations in rural Alaska.
- Firearms – This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition for wildlife defense. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. A “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” is an offense that is 1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and 2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
Physical Demands
Frequent sitting for prolonged periods of time, using hands/fingers requiring dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, reaching with hands and arms for items above and below desk level, talking, hearing, and seeing (up close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus); walking from place to place within the office with occasional use of stairs and no elevator available; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 2 hours; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds such as small office equipment, files, stacks of paper, reference and other materials.
Work performed outdoors may include exposure to extreme weather conditions. It will include access to Ahtna land by car, truck, ATV, boat, snow machine, and/or airplane.
Work is primarily split between the office and field with the ability to speak and receive phone communications often. Work requires computer usage with strength, dexterity, coordination, and visual acuity to use keyboard and video display terminal and other office equipment. Moderate travel is required to shareholder communities, subsidiary offices and other locations as needed.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. The employee will be working in and out of doors and will be subject to wilderness conditions, confined spaces, changes in temperature, weather conditions and noise levels.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this job has excluded marginal functions of the job that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills, aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, some overtime may be required.