Realty/Probate Specialist

Kotzebue IRA; Alaska; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Native Village of Kotzebue seeks a Realty Specialist to assist the Realty Director with realty and probate support while building the knowledge and leadership to advance to Realty Director within two years. The role aligns with NVOK’s Grow Our Own plan, developing local capacity in the Realty Department and guiding a structured two-year career development plan toward promotion eligibility.

Candidate will uphold mission and values, comply with policies, and collaborate with community members and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in land management, probate, or realty services preferred.
• Must commit to completing a two-year career development plan to advance to Realty Director.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Support Realty Director in implementing Realty and Probate programs per Tribal and BIA policies.
• Prepare, maintain, and file realty and probate documentation (leases, rights-of-way, deeds, conveyances).
• Conduct outreach to landowners, beneficiaries, and agencies regarding allotments and probate matters.
• Investigate trespass and land-use issues on restricted lands.
• Develop understanding of Alaska land acts and BIA regulations.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports for internal and BIA submission.

Skills

Database management

Preparing operational reports

Analyzing problems

Office software

Effective communication

Exceptional customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in Tribal Management/Public Administration/Business Administration/Land & Environmental Studies

Job description

Under the direct supervision of the Realty Director, performs realty and probate support duties while progressively developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity required to assume the role of Realty Director within two (2) years.

This position is part of the Native Village of Kotzebue’s Strategic Plan priority to “Grow Our Own” by developing local capacity and leadership within the Realty Department. The selected candidate will participate in a structured two-year career development plan leading toward promotion eligibility. Refer to “Realty Specialist Career Ladder Summary” for added information.

Upholds the organization’s mission, and values as well as demonstrates an understanding of and compliance with organization’s policies and procedures.

Promotes the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

Essential Functions

• Supports the Realty Director in implementing NVOK’s Realty and Probate programs in accordance with Tribal and BIA policies.
• Assists with preparing, maintaining, and filing all realty and probate documentation, including leases, rights-of-way, gift deeds, drafting deed documents and conveyances.
• Conducts outreach to landowners, beneficiaries, and other agencies regarding Native Allotments, restricted property, and probate matters.
• Assists in the investigation and documentation of trespass and land-use issues on restricted lands.
• Works to develop a thorough understanding of the Native Allotment Act, Alaska Native Veterans Allotment Act, Alaska Native Settlement Act, and ANICLA.
• Prepares monthly and annual reports for internal and BIA submission.
• Participates in professional development, training, and mentorship as part of the two-year career plan.
• Assumes progressively greater responsibilities, including project coordination, budgeting, and leadership tasks as development milestones are met.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with community members, staff, and external partners.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None initially.
• Develops skill and ability to oversee the work of others.
• May assume limited supervisory responsibility as two-year development plan progresses.
• May assist in mentoring Realty/Probate staff.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Applicable federal and tribal laws, regulations, requirements, principles, and practices of allotment management and office administration.
• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and BIA regulations.
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Native Graves and Repatriation Act (NGRA).
• Policies, functions, and responsibilities of the Native Village of Kotzebue and Alaskan Native culture, traditions, history, and needs.

Developing Knowledge of:

• Unique laws, regulations, and policies applicable only to Alaska, i.e., Alaska Native Allotment Act, Alaska Native Townsite Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA), and Alaska Native Vietnam Era Allotment Act.
• Modern trends related to the practice of grant management.
• Funding sources and mechanisms.

Skill in:

• Database management.
• Preparing operational reports.
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Office software and industry-related applications.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Exceptional customer service.

Developing Skill in:

• Reviewing and analyzing operational reports.
• Hiring, supervising, training, developing, and evaluating assigned staff.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Learn and apply complex regulatory and technical procedures.
• Prepare comprehensive and concise reports and plans.
• Thrive in a team environment.
• Work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Uphold strong ethics and integrity.
• Remain in compliance with Tribal Drug Free Policy.

Developing Ability to:

• Speak persuasively before groups.
• Interpret applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in Tribal Management, Public or Business Administration, Land/Environmental Studies or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in land management, probate, or realty services preferred.
• Must commit to complete the two-year career development plan designed for advancement to Realty Director.
• A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and drug test.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and lift up to 25 pounds. Close vision ability is required. Employee may be exposed rarely to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens; and to hostile or violent individuals.

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Native Preference will be given in recruiting and hiring, consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638, as amended.

Position Title: Realty Specialist Department: Realty Supervisor: Realty Director Grade Level: NE6 Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Realty Director, performs realty and probate support duties while progressively developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity required to assume the role of Realty Director within two (2) years.

This position is part of the Native Village of Kotzebue’s Strategic Plan priority to “Grow Our Own” by developing local capacity and leadership within the Realty Department. The selected candidate will participate in a structured two-year career development plan leading toward promotion eligibility. Refer to “Realty Specialist Career Ladder Summary” for added information.

Upholds the organization’s mission, and values as well as demonstrates an understanding of and compliance with organization’s policies and procedures.

Promotes the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Native Village of Kotzebue is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran protected status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment Requirements

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Submit a completed Employment Application, Resume, and any required supporting documentation.

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