The incumbent facilitates various land transactions, analysis with land records, and government meetings that insures accurate and compliant record keeping, land development, and use of possessory interest holdings. The incumbent conducts research and development of Title Status Reports (TSR); authenticate and validate real estate interests bequeathed to Tribal citizens through wills or legal means for deceased Tribal citizens that are intestate; and work as facilitators to Tribal Business Committee (TBC), Tribal Lands Committee (TLC), Tribal Lands Acquisition Committee (TLAC), and Housing Improvement Program (HIP).
- Interact with internal and external customers / clients in a polite and professional manner.
- Provides advocacy support, one-on-one assistance, and technical follow-up to insure expedited land record related services to clients/customers.
- Completes surveys and intake documentation with clients to facilitate their land transaction requests that includes, but is not limited to: possessory holding interest transfers from one party to another, or multiple parties as each case presents itself, initiation of documentation form for Tribal citizens to develop homes (Tribal Site Form or current process for housing development), survey requests (metes and bounds, topographical, elevation, etc.), flagging requests to delineate property, and determination of right of way or easements for construction and use of transportation and utility infrastructure.
- Advises Tribal citizens of procedural steps for completion of transactions which includes sales or division of possessory holdings and assignment of rights-of-way.
- Secures signatures of Tribal committee members on approved documents.
- Maintains the current records on all transactions for the Housing and Community Development (HCD) residential communities, governmental programs involving housing, commercial development, and agricultural activities.
- Preserves the historical and current records by the method prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Records Management and by any policy, rules, and regulations established by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- Conducts thorough research on possessory interest or land ownership prior to preparation and processing of documents for sales, transfer of interests, development of right-of-way, and dissolution of estates.
- Conduct research for Title Status Reports (TSR) to determine the rights outside parties have on the interest in property that is requested to be transferred or assigned. This includes, but not limited to: liens from creditors, assignments to programs such as Qualla Housing Authority (QHA), Housing and Community Development (HCD), Housing Improvement Program (HIP), or other Tribal lending programs, commercial Banks, leases, Veteran’s Administration lending and loan programs, and any other source of funding or organization that may have right to place lien, assignment or hold on possessory holdings.
- Completes true and accurate TSRs for use by Tribal Programs to determine clear right of possessory holding or land ownership.
- Conducts research for the probate and dissolution of land interests in estates for deceased Tribal citizens.
- Authenticates and validates real estate interests bequeathed to Tribal citizens through wills or legal means for deceased Tribal citizens that are intestate.
- Completes or develops final draft documents for land transfers, notarizes signatures on official land transfer and use documents, and places final documents into official process (posting, committee approval, etc.).
- Must have the ability to notarize documents.
- Facilities various committee (TBC, TLAC, TLC) meetings by the following, but not limited to note and minute taking, development and publishing agendas, securing signatures on approved documents, and research of previous board and committee activities and decisions. Correspondence through phone, email, and mailing of completed and approved documents, notices to appear to committee meetings, notices of deadlines, and other official board and committee activity. Maintain official records of board and committee activities and actions. Provide professional advice and research to board and committee members for actions.
- Follows departmental procedures with a high degree of accuracy and appropriate attention to detail.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with interagency personnel, Tribal representatives, and individual Tribal citizens, as well as the public.
- Verifies that the necessary pre-conveyance clearances and procedures have been secured and completed (appraisals, NEPA, TSR, etc.).
- Prepares rough draft memorandum and/or office correspondence regarding applications and case files update and/or cancellations which involve frequent selection of proper technical terminology and general knowledge of the types of land transactions.
- Discusses with land owners and other interested parties the general conveyance process and other needs and documentation. Ensure that beneficiaries, purchasers, other land owners and other interested parties understand the process, their options, and the requirements involved in executing a conveyance.
- Researches and review basic problems and issues; provides findings and recommendations on problems/issues; provides findings and direction to land owners.
- Reviews the conveyance and related documents for completeness and accuracy of such items as land descriptions, signatures, etc., and to gain knowledge of statutory authority, laws, regulations, Tribal ordinances, policies, and procedures.
- Prepares the recommendation for approval/disapproval of the conveyance in final form.
- Must have some knowledge of procedures, policies, and practices of, Tribal Council, Tribal Court, TBC, TLC, TLAC, HIP, HCD, and QHA.
- Possess knowledge of organizational components and procedures concerning the BIA Division of Real Estate and Tribal Realty.
- Knowledge of Tribal regulations governing possessory holdings and CFR 25 and applicable Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal law, rules, regulations, and policies.
- Knowledge of maps and aerial photo files for researching and extracting data.
- Requires knowledge in organizing office work to achieve maximum efficiency, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, follow instructions, and work as a member of a team or group, and independently.
- The incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle in the performance of official duties.
This position is supervised by program leadership. This position is not responsible for supervising others.
Education: Associate’s Degree in related field required. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be in lieu of degree, with required related experience of an additional: 3 years with a High School Diploma/GED equivalent.
Licenses & Certifications: Valid, insurable NC Driver’s License required. Must have or obtain Notary Public Certification within six (6) months of hire date.
* Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request.
EBCI reserves the right to revise the position description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. Complete job description is found on application site.
Office of the Attorney General
11 Non Exempt
ALL JOB POSTINGS CLOSE AT 11:59PM EST ON THE CLOSE DATE.