Fee-To-Trust and Real Estate Specialist

In order to be considered for any vacancy within the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, an application must be completed. If you are among the qualified candidates, you will receive a call or email from one of our coordinators to schedule an interview. Once your application is completed, please send it to the Human Resources Department at HR@ktttribe.org.

Job Description

Position:                              Fee-To-Trust and Real Estate Specialist

Supervisor:                         Legal Department Director

Division:                              Tribal Council

Department:                        Legal Department

Responsibilities: 

The Fee-To-Trust and Real Estate Specialist of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas is responsible for managing and coordinating the acquisition of land in fee status into federal trust.  The Specialist will manage, review and coordinate all aspects of real estate transactions, easements, title issues, and fee-to-trust applications. The Specialist will serve as a key advisor to leadership on land acquisition, trust conversion, and real estate development strategies. 

Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following: 

• Prepare, review, and submit fee-to-trust applications to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
• Conducts due diligence, including title reviews and reports, environmental reviews, surveys and appraisals
• Advise on property acquisitions, leases, right-of-way, and land use issues.
• Identify and resolve title issues, encumbrances, and easements impacting land-into-trust transfers.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal laws governing land and trust property.
• Tracks and monitors pending applications, ensuring timelines and requirements are met.
• Collaborate with surveyors, appraisers, attorneys and government agencies on real estate projects.
• Maintain accurate records of land ownership, title status and trust applications.
• Maintains records and provides reports on the status of fee-to-trust applications.
• Provide technical expertise to Tribal leadership and stakeholders on land management strategies.
• Support economic development initiatives involving land and real estate assets. Supervises and coordinates all fee-to-trust processes.
• Legal research as an aid to an attorney in finding laws and court decisions for determining the proper application rules and regulations of lands owned by the Tribe.
• Assisting in the preparation of legal documents such as deeds, contracts and leases
• Conducting real estate record research and compiling findings for attorneys
• Managing timelines for real estate transactions including closings, inspections, and contingency dates
• Coordinating and attending closings, ensuring all necessary documents and payments are in place
• Maintaining communication with attorneys and real estate agents throughout the transaction process
• Reviewing and confirming the accuracy of legal descriptions of properties
• Performing title searches and resolving any title defects prior to closing
• Preparing and filing legal and real estate documents with appropriate entities
• Ensuring compliance with legal procedures and real estate regulations
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Education/experience requirements: 

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in real estate, land management, legal studies, federal Indian law, or related field. Minimum two (2) years experience in real estate law, land management, or federal Indian law, preferably with exposure to tribal lands, easements, and/or rights-of-way. Bilingual skills desired (Spanish/English).

Preferred Qualifications: Previous work-related experience is preferred. MBA and/or graduate-level coursework or practical training in federal Indian law or Native American law. Real estate license preferred. Prior experience with tribal governments, BIA fee-to-trust processes, or easements and rights-of-way approvals, especially on tribal lands. 

Native American preference is observed: 

KTTT recognizes preference for KTTT tribal members and qualified Native American tribal members including preferential treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotions, layoffs and reductions in force so long as they meet minimum job qualifications.