Job Description

POSITION: Director
Reservation Resources & Land Management

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Reservation Resources & Land Management is a senior executive responsible for the comprehensive administration, protection, preservation, development, and sustainable use of all Tribal land assets. This includes both trust and fee lands, energy resources, agriculture, leasing, conservation, economic development properties, and culturally significant areas. The Director ensures that land-related programs align with the Tribe's economic goals, environmental values, cultural preservation, and sovereignty initiatives. In addition, this position will oversee other Tribal programs relating to: HEMP, Pizpiza, Cannibis, Paleontology, and partner with both buffalo range management and forest range management.

The Director leads strategic planning, operational oversight, interagency coordination, and policy development for all land and natural resource initiatives. This includes guiding long-term land use planning, managing lease and appraisal functions, and acting as the Tribe's lead representative for land-related partnerships with federal, state, Tribal, and non-tribal entities.

SUPERVISION: This Director of Reservation Resources will perform duties under the supervision of the Executive Director who will provide guidance, direction, and conduct performance evaluations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Program Leadership & Governance

Provide strategic direction and administrative oversight for the Reservation Resources and Land Management Program under the BIA Consolidated Tribal Government Program Contract. Develop and lead comprehensive strategies for the long-term stewardship and economic utilization of Tribal lands, ensuring alignment with Tribal law and community interests. Serve as the Commissioner of Agriculture, overseeing all agricultural resource initiatives and partnerships. Make recommendation to the Tribal Economics Committee regarding home site application request, land exchanges, land sale/purchases, and leasing/permits located on tribal lands. Review and provide recommendations on Tribal Codes that affect the department including but not limited to Game & Fish, Water Resources, Housing, and any other tribal regulatory codes. Responsible for development and maintenance of department webpage in conjunction with SRST IT department.

Homesite Application

Manages homesite application process. Establishes policies and procedures, as required. Provides homesite ownership education such as homesite application process, requirements, and expected costs. Coordinates with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as needed. Makes recommendations to the Tribal Economics Committee, as required.

Land and Leasing Administration

Direct the administration and oversight of all Tribal Owner's Use Properties.

Administer residential, business, energy (wind & solar), hay-cutting, and farm-pasture/grazing leases on Tribal fee lands, including under the HEARTH Act (Title XLII 42). Administers and manages the P.L. 93-638 contracts, tribal lands, and tribal fee lands. Leads efforts to transfer Tribal fee lands into trust status and oversees associated compliance and administrative processes. Serves as the primary point of contact for Tribal land access and use requests, including but not limited to Tribal entities, utilities, non-profits, and the general public.

Land Development & Economic Programs

Manages and oversees the Tribal Land Acquisition Program and land consolidation requests submitted by BIA or Tribal members. Administers and manages Local District 640 Economic Development lands in accordance with Resolution 070-02. Leads collaboration with Administration to establish and implement a Zoning Program for a sustainable Comprehensive Land Management Plan. Provides direct support to the Tribal Economics Committee on all land-related economic, development, and acquisition proposals. Responsible for overseeing and managing other Tribal programs as designated by the Administration and/or Tribal Council.

Agriculture, Conservation, & Environmental Stewardship

Oversees and ensures effective management of the Tribal Rangeland Improvement Program (TRIP). Administers the Hemp Program (Title XLIII 43), including regulatory compliance and economic viability. Serves as the designated Point of Contact (POC) for: Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Cedar Soil Conservation District RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development) Intertribal Agricultural Council Administers the Paleontology Program, protecting and managing fossil resources on Tribal lands. Administers and manages the Irrigation Program Contract through the Bureau of Reclamation. Leads noxious weed management initiatives by securing grants and fostering partnerships with Tribal and federal agencies. Manages and oversees the Pispiza (Prairie Dog) Program, including interdepartmental coordination and proposal development.

Energy & Infrastructure

Develops and oversees the Tribe's Energy and Mineral Resources Program. Serves as the initial and primary POC for SAGE Power Authority, including: Tribal energy funding Wind & solar leases Environmental surveys and easements (Rights of Way) NIOGEMS data management Represents the Tribe in discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding: Irrigation leases and easements Recreational land leases Hay cutting and grazing permits Coordination, Representation & Advisory Provides formal recommendations to the Tribal Economics Committee regarding: Land purchases, sales, and exchanges Consolidation requests with the Tribe Development proposals from BIA, enrolled members, or outside entities Attend national and regional meetings, conferences, and symposia on Tribal natural resource and land management. Maintain monthly reporting to the Tribal Economics Committee and Executive leadership on key program outcomes and ongoing initiatives. Work cross-functionally with internal Tribal departments and external agencies to manage access, enforce land policies, and resolve conflicts.

Fiscal Management and Budget Oversight:

Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual budgets for all land, agriculture, energy, and resource management programs, including PL 93-638 contracts. Manages lease revenues, grant funding, privilege use tax allocations, and other financial resources to ensure compliance with Tribal, federal, and grantor requirements. Provides regular financial reports and recommendations to the Executive Director and Tribal Economics Committee. Leads fiscal planning and analysis for land acquisitions, development projects, conservation programs, and farm operations to ensure economic viability and sustainability. Ensures proper financial documentation, procurement compliance, and audit readiness across all program areas. Provides direct supervision to all Reservation Resources and Land Management staff, including consultants and contract workers. Ensures team alignment with Tribal priorities, legal compliance, and professional standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Business Administration or related field preferred. Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Business or related field preferred. Associates degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Business, or related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience in Tribal land management or conservation services, with at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role. Deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty, federal Indian land law, and applicable regulatory frameworks, including PL 93-638 contracts. Demonstrated experience managing large-scale land leasing, trust-to-fee transfers, agricultural operations, and natural resource programs. Familiarity with GIS systems, environmental compliance, and land information technologies. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. Must successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance.

NOTICE:

SELECTED CANDIDATE(S) FOR THE STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE POSITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO AND SUCCESSFULLY PASS THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG TEST WILL BE CAUSE FOR REVOCATION OF JOB OFFER.

No tribal housing or relocation assistance is available. Position is located at the Reservation Resources/Land Management Building in Fort Yates, North Dakota.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can apply by submitting an application and/or resume online, in-person or via email. Online Applications may be completed by visiting www.standingrock.org
In person applications can be submitted by visiting the Human Resource office during our regular business hours.
Applications may also be emailed to personnel@standingrock.org