Land Permitting Specialist - Ahtna, Inc

• Performs varied duties concerning the administrations of commercial contracts and the operations of such contracts:

• Manages or delegates and supervises entry of in-person, online, and telephonic permits in permit system daily.
• Issues reports on permit log to finance department and Land department staff and management regularly.
• Establishes a contract system for Ahtna Inc. to implement for all commercial guides and gravel contractors crossing or utilizing Ahtna lands.
• Develops systems, standards, policies, and contract language in conjunction with the Corporate Legal Department for recurring transaction categories such as right of way agreements, easements, communication tower leases, exploration licenses, filming licenses, commercial hunting and fishing guiding, commercial recreational guiding, aggregate material sales, research permits etc.
• Issues and pre-approves commercial contracts, including gravel sale agreements, fishing, and guiding vendor agreements, and other land use agreements, to be presented and approved by the Ahtna Land Committee.
• Develops marketing and messaging program related to Ahtna’s land use permits and vendor contracts in conjunction with the Corporate Communications department.
• Develops frequently asked question lists for the public.
• Works to improve systems, messaging, and training to reduce questions and conflicts.
• Works with the Corporate Land department to cross-train staff and provide backup coverage to carry out routine operations such as answering basic questions and issuing basic permits.
• Serves as an advisor to management and staff on all matters related to land use permits and commercial services.
• Designs systems and collects, compiles, and maintains qualitative and quantitative data related to commercial services.
• Reviews existing and proposed commercial service rates.
• Conducts or manages marketing and price studies; provides recommendations to the Ahtna Land Committee.
• Designs and implements online forums, feedback surveys, and payment portals to develop a time-efficient and reliable reporting system.
• Communicates procedural permitting protocols to commercial service providers and business owners.
• Monitors and manages all commercial services and public and shareholder land uses for compliance in accordance with Ahtna’s terms and conditions.
• Provides context for fellow employees and laborers to assist in the policy and procedure making processes.
• Addresses vendor comments and analyzes opportunities to improve operations, develop business opportunities, and increase revenue.

• Ability to deliver technical reports required upon project completion in a timely manner.

• Performs other varied duties involving a background in public relations:

• Works closely with the Land Protection Team and the Land and Natural Resource Team to monitor payment compliance issues and works to identify issues and systems to improve compliance.
• Works closely with the Land Protection Team and Corporate Legal Team to document cases of non-compliance and enforce contract terms.
• Works with the Ahtna team to develop effective marketing and information messages to improve compliance with our permit rules and improve revenues.
• Issues permits in-person, online, or over the phone for general recreation or land access, research, commercial services, gravel, firewood, shareholder services, predator control, filming, and other special cases.
• Monitors predator control permitted uses and manages end-of-season animal count reports.
• Assists in the writing of Merger Land Use Program applications to be presented to the Ahtna Land Committee
• Assists in the development of road signs and public notices.
• Prepares financial reports for permit sales.
• Prepares and sends correspondence to annual Ahtna land users.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Other relevant duties:

• Skilled in the use of online databases, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word. Capable of working with database management software and compiling and analyzing data from permit databases, cell phone databases, and other sources.
• Knowledge of basic business and contract law and regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a business management, marketing, or business law or contract management

• i.e., Business Management, Marketing, Business Law/Contract Management, Natural Resource Management with business management minor.

• Experience editing reports to meet contractual requirements.
• Experience in public relations comments and concerns.
• Experience with customer service and customer relations.
• Knowledge of computer mapping programs (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, etc.)
• Knowledge of local ecosystems and environment of the Copper River Valley.
• Ability to work more than 8 hours a day.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Negotiation and customer relations and understanding of the visitor industry and the construction/aggregate material industry.
• Marketing, program, and product development experience.
• Training and experience developing and improving management systems, information systems and finance systems including policies and procedures.
• Ability to set up and improve online and automated systems.
• Knowledge of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, ANILCA and other Alaska Native legislation and how it relates to Ahtna’s land rights, land conveyances.
• Ability to work in an environment of diverse interests and the ability to negotiate effectively to align diverse interests to achieve a goal.
• Holds 2-3 years of professional field experience within the Copper River Valley
• Ability to take initiative and work individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to review and evaluate commercial contracts.
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures.
• Outdoor and ATV experience.
• Field First Aid training.
• Certified Bear Guard.
• Certified Firearm Safety.

• Patience, diligence, independence, and preparedness are important traits for success.

Ahtna