Tribal Land Person

Job Title: Tribal Lands Person

Location: Farmington, NM

Summary of Position:

The Tribal Lands Person will lead land acquisition and management efforts involving tribal lands, mainly the Navajo Nation. This role requires a deep understanding of tribal land processes, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with tribal representatives and government agencies. This role is critical to supporting energy development projects and will require close coordination and interaction with engineering, operations, legal, regulatory and other professional groups within the company. This position will require frequent travel within the Navajo Nation.

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:

- Lead and manage land acquisition projects within Navajo Nation jurisdiction for new energy generation projects.

- Manage and maintain existing and newly acquired land obligations and requirements.

- Navigate tribal, federal, and state land regulations and permitting processes for new and existing projects on tribal lands.

- Develop and maintain relationships with federal and Navajo Nation officials, chapters, agencies, and community stakeholders.

- Prepare and review draft land agreements, rights-of-way, leases, and other real property documents.

- Coordinate with legal, environmental, and operations teams to ensure compliance and project alignment.

- Conduct title research, land status reviews, and due diligence.

- Represent the company in meetings with tribal councils, land boards, and regulatory bodies.

- Track and report on land acquisition and management progress, risks, and opportunities.

- Monitor and ensure compliance with lease terms, contractual commitments, and land-related obligations.

Necessary Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Land Management, Energy Management, Business, Law, Environmental Science or related field required

- Minimum 5 years of experience in land acquisition, with at least 2 years working directly with Native American tribes, preferable the Navajo Nation.

- Strong knowledge of Navajo land policies, regulations, processes and tribal governance.

- Experience with easement acquisition for transmission lines and pipelines, land withdrawals and business site leases.

- Experience with biological and cultural surveys and tribal sovereignty considerations

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

- Proficiency in GIS, land management software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

- Ability to travel frequently within the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas.

- Existing relationships with Navajo Nation land departments or chapters.

- Experience with energy, infrastructure, or environmental projects on tribal lands.

- Cultural competency and sensitivity in working with tribal communities.

Certifications (Optional but Preferred):

- Registered Landman (RL) or Registered Professional Landman (RPL) – American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL)

- Certified Professional Landman (CPL) – Preferred for senior-level candidates

- Certified Right of Way Agent (CRWA) or Certified Mineral Manager (CMM) – Additional asset

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is required to frequently sit with frequent forward bending and occasional rotation. The employee must rarely lift, carry and/or move up to 13 pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is required to rarely push or pull up to 45 pounds horizontally. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required occasionally to walk; climb stairs; and stand with rare rotation. Rarely the employee is required to squat repetitively or reach up to 74”. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have ability to travel to the Navajo Nation and other tribal offices in Window Rock, AZ and Gallup, NM.

Working Environment:

Works in office environment and site environment. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently with or without accommodation. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. The above job profile reflects the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position and is not intended to be all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be expected based on operational and departmental needs.