What are the responsibilities and job description for the Surface Management Division Director position at North Dakota State Government?
The ND Department of Trust Lands is charged with managing the permanent educational trust funds and assets under the Board of University and School Lands control.
Be part of a dedicated and talented team who prudently and professionally manages the Department’s land and mineral assets, unclaimed property, energy grant distributions, and investment portfolio. The Surface Management Division Director plays an integral role in overseeing the surface division which manages more than 706,000 surface acres owned by the various trust funds under the Board’s control.
We offer an excellent benefit package, including a fully paid family health insurance plan, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plan, 457 deferred compensation plan, and voluntary insurance benefits including dental, vision, and life insurance, and more!
Summary of Work
- Manage Surface Division program planning and implementation to ensure goals and objectives are met.
- Manage Surface Division team including hiring, managing performance, assigning workloads, and ensuring division is in compliance with all required laws and policies.
- Ensure the tract-based soil productivity index system for all land uses is maintained and updated when necessary to assure a functioning Fair Market Value Minimum Rent Policy.
- Assist Surface Division in the management of rangeland integrity scoring system to aid in determining which surface tracts are being maintained in acceptable or improving condition and to determine tracts in need of improvement.
- Ensure that vegetative analysis is conducted periodically on range improvement tracts.
- Ensure noxious weed control program and livestock water development programs are functioning and maintained.
- Ensure in-lieu tax program and county road and bridge fee programs are completed annually.
- Assist in the management wind energy projects that impact State land.
- Conduct quality assurance activities to ensure standards are met by reviewing and approving right of way applications, surveys, and conveyances; right of way reclamation plans; surface damage agreements; livestock water permits; construction aggregate leases; construction aggregate mining and reclamation plans; range improvement plans; and surface lease auctions.
- Assist in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and updating Departmental rules, policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with IT on surface database systems and programs; assist in the maintenance and improvement of information data bases.
- Ensure division is working in compliance with the Constitution, State statutes, Administrative Rules, Board policies and Department policies.
- Work with the Commissioner and the Office of the Attorney General staff on litigation, legislation, and policies related to surface management
- Participate in the legislative process and prepare and present testimony.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, botany, natural resource management, range management or closely related field; and
- 5 years of land management work experience that included supervision of staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a natural resource related field.
- Highly proficient in utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management software.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with ability to interact with the Board, legislative members, and the public.
- Strong leadership, time management, and organizational skills.
- Strong quantitative/analytical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Application Procedures
All applications for open Department of Trust Lands positions must be made via the Careers site at www.nd.gov/careers. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Application materials must be received by 11:59 PM on the posted closing date. All potential applicants must upload the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three work-related references
- College transcripts (if applicable; copies or unofficial version are acceptable)
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Trust Lands does not provide sponsorships. Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
For assistance in the application or interview process, contact Hope Wedul, at 701-328-3357.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701)328-3290.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.