Land Protection Officer - Kuukpik Corporation

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Kuukpik Corporation was established in 1973 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). It owns the surface rights to portions of the Colville River Delta, located 50 miles west of Prudhoe Bay.

Kuukpik Corporation successfully negotiated a comprehensive surface-use agreement. This agreement established provisions for education and training, preferences in contracting, employment, and environmental protection for the village of Nuiqsut.

Kuukpik’s mission is to develop innovative opportunities, partnerships, and leadership to ensure and perpetuate our people’s self-sufficiency, economic growth, and cultural heritage.

WHY JOIN US

At Kuukpik Corporation, we offer more than just a job. We offer opportunities for career growth, competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, and the chance to contribute to the success of a dynamic company. Join us and be part of a team committed to promoting economic development and sustainability while providing a meaningful and fulfilling work experience.

Benefits include:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

401k with employer match

Tuition Reimbursement

And more

LOCATION

Nuiqsut, AK

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Land Protection Officer (LPO) is responsible for the day-to-day field enforcement, monitoring, and implementation of Kuukpik Corporation’s Land Protection Plan and Board-approved land use policies. The LPO serves as the primary field authority on Kuukpik lands, ensuring that land-use activities comply with Kuukpik’s land-use permits, access agreements, and land-protection standards.

The LPO acts as the direct supervisory and leadership link between the Director of Lands and Resources and Subsistence Representatives, translating land protection policy into consistent on-the-ground oversight, documentation, and corrective action. This role is separate from regulatory permitting and environmental compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct regular field patrols and inspections of Kuukpik lands to monitor land use activities, access routes, camps, gravel sites, and development areas.


• Exercise on-site enforcement authority to direct immediate corrective actions, issue field-level notices of concern, warnings, or corrective directives in accordance with the Land Protection Plan.


• Ensure compliance with Kuukpik-issued land use permits, access approvals, surface use agreements, and land protection standards, as directed by the Director of Lands and Resources.


• Identify, document, and initiate enforcement responses to unauthorized activities, unsafe conditions, or violations of Kuukpik land use requirements.


• Support and coordinate enforcement investigations related to violations of Kuukpik land permits or land protection standards, including initiating escalation actions that may result in suspension or revocation of internal land use permits by the Director of Lands and Resources.


• Serve as the first point of contact for land users regarding Kuukpik land rules, access requirements, and protection standards.


• Engage respectfully with shareholders, community members, contractors, and industry personnel in the field, explaining Kuukpik land use requirements in clear, practical terms.


• De-escalate field conflicts and refer disputes or policy interpretation questions to the Director of Lands and Resources.


• Prepare and submit enforcement-related reports, incident summaries, and compliance updates to the Director of Lands and Resources, including trends, risks, and recurring issues.


• Maintain clear boundaries between Kuukpik land enforcement authority and external regulatory enforcement activities.


• Coordinate with the Director of Lands and Resources as needed for information-sharing related to field observations that may affect regulatory compliance for Permitting Department review.


• Participate in internal Land Department meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.


• Support emergency response efforts or special land protection initiatives as directed.


• Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of Kuukpik land use rules, subsistence protection, and community impacts.


• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in field enforcement situations.


• Strong observational, documentation, and reporting skills.


• Ability to lead, direct, and hold others accountable in a field environment.


• Professional communication skills with diverse stakeholders.


• Cultural awareness and respect for subsistence practices and community priorities.

REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED required.


• Prior experience in land monitoring, subsistence protection, field inspection, security, or related roles preferred.


• NSTC H2S/FeS Training


• NSTC Unescorted Training


• Current NSTC Safety Handbook Training


• Polar Bear Awareness Training


• Camp Emergency Plan Training


• Supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred.


• Familiarity with Kuukpik lands, Nuiqsut community, and subsistence activities preferred.


• Ability to speak and understand Iñupiaq preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regular fieldwork in Arctic conditions.


• Ability to walk, stand, and operate vehicles or equipment for extended periods.


• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.


• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Some travel may be required

HOW TO APPLY

Click “Apply for this Job” in the upper right corner of the page. Upload your resume or employment application.

An employment application is available for download on the Employment Page.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT

All decisions pertaining to employment, upgrading, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment advertising, recruitment selection, layoff, terminations, training, compensation, benefits, and educational assistance will be executed without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, medical condition, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis or characteristics prohibited by applicable law.

Kuukpik Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Kuukpik Corporation applies a shareholder preference in employment to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.