What Jobs the Navajo Housing Authority Hires For
The Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) posts openings for administrative staff, maintenance workers, inspectors, property managers, and housing counselors. The specific positions available change throughout the year depending on turnover and funding. Most roles require you to live on or near Navajo Nation territory, though some remote positions exist.
Administrative roles include lease specialists, intake coordinators, and finance clerks. These positions typically require a high school diploma or GED and basic computer skills. Maintenance and custodial jobs range from groundskeeping to HVAC repair, with some requiring trade certifications. Property management positions usually need prior experience managing rental properties or supervising staff.
Housing counselor and case manager roles focus on helping residents understand lease terms, navigate payment issues, and connect to support services. These often require a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field, though some programs accept candidates with relevant work experience and a high school diploma.
Key Takeaways
- The Navajo Housing Authority posts job openings on its official website and through the Navajo Nation government jobs portal, not on general job boards.
- Most positions require you to be a Navajo Nation member or meet Indian preference hiring rules, which prioritize Native American applicants.
- Pay ranges from roughly $28,000 to $65,000 annually depending on the role, experience, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
- The process process typically includes submitting a resume, cover letter, and proof of tribal membership or Indian preference status to the NHA human resources office.
- Hiring timelines vary from two weeks to two months after the process important date, depending on the number of applicants and the position level.
Where to Find Current Job Openings
The Navajo Housing Authority posts openings on its official website under a Careers or Employment section. You can also check the Navajo Nation government jobs portal, which lists positions across all tribal departments and agencies. Both sites allow you to filter by location, department, and job type.
Some positions are also posted on Indeed, LinkedIn, or other general job boards, but the official NHA and Navajo Nation sites are the most reliable sources. Openings typically stay posted for two to four weeks before the process important date closes. If you do not see a position you want, check back weekly—new postings go up regularly as staff retire or move to other roles.
You can also contact the NHA human resources office directly by phone or email to ask about upcoming openings or to request notification when a specific type of position becomes available. Many organizations notify past applicants when similar roles open.
Indian Preference and Tribal Membership Requirements
The Navajo Housing Authority follows Indian preference hiring rules, which means Native American applicants—especially Navajo Nation members—receive priority in the hiring process. This is a federal requirement for tribal housing authorities and applies to most positions.
To claim Indian preference, you must provide proof of tribal membership or Native American heritage. Navajo Nation members submit a tribal ID or enrollment certificate. Non-Navajo Native Americans must provide a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or tribal enrollment documentation from their nation. Without this documentation, you can still explore, but you will not receive preference points in the scoring process.
Some positions, particularly executive or specialized roles, may have different requirements. Always check the job posting for specific instructions about what documentation to submit and when. The NHA human resources office can clarify whether a particular role falls under Indian preference rules.
Pay, Benefits, and Work Schedule
Salary varies significantly by position and experience level. Entry-level administrative and maintenance roles typically start between $28,000 and $35,000 annually. Mid-level positions like property managers or housing counselors range from $40,000 to $55,000. Senior roles in management or specialized areas can reach $60,000 to $75,000 or higher.
Most full-time NHA positions include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a retirement plan, paid time off, and life insurance. Part-time positions may have limited benefits depending on hours worked. The Navajo Nation government also offers tuition information for employees pursuing further education and professional development training.
Work schedules are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though maintenance and emergency response roles may require on-call availability or weekend hours. Some positions offer flexible schedules or remote work options, particularly in administrative roles. Check the job posting for specific schedule details.
What to Include in Your process
Most NHA positions require a resume, cover letter, and completed process form. Your resume should list your work history with dates, job titles, and specific duties—not just a general description. Include any relevant certifications, licenses, or training (such as HVAC certification, property management license, or counseling credentials).
Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the role and what skills or experience make you a good fit. Keep it to one page. If the position requires Indian preference documentation, include a copy of your tribal ID, enrollment certificate, or CIB with your process.
Some positions require references from previous employers or supervisors. The job posting will specify how many references to provide and whether they should be submitted with your process or only if you advance to the interview stage. Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
The Interview and Hiring Timeline
After the process important date, the NHA human resources office reviews all submissions and scores them based on qualifications, experience, and (where applicable) Indian preference points. This review typically takes one to two weeks. If your process meets the minimum requirements, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Interviews are usually conducted in person at an NHA office, though some positions may offer phone or video interviews. Expect questions about your relevant experience, how you handle conflict or difficult situations, and why you want to work for the Navajo Housing Authority. Some positions include a practical component—for example, maintenance roles may include a skills test.
After interviews are complete, the hiring manager makes a selection and extends an offer. The entire process from process important date to job offer typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster for urgent openings or slower if many candidates explore. You will be notified of the outcome by phone or email.
Background Checks and Starting Your Job
Once you receive a job offer, you must pass a background check before your start date. This includes a criminal history review and verification of your employment history and education. The NHA uses a third-party background check company and covers the cost. The process usually takes one to two weeks.
You will also need to provide proof of identity (driver's license or passport), Social Security number, and direct deposit banking information. If the position involves access to resident information or financial records, you may need additional clearances or training on data privacy and security.
Your first day typically includes orientation on NHA policies, computer system access, and department-specific training. Most positions have a probationary period of 90 days, during which your performance is evaluated before you become a permanent employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Navajo Nation member to work for the Navajo Housing Authority?
No, but Navajo Nation members and other Native Americans receive hiring preference under federal Indian preference rules. You can still explore without tribal membership, but you will not receive preference points. Some specialized positions may have different requirements—check the job posting.
What if I do not have a college degree but want to explore for a housing counselor role?
Some NHA positions accept candidates with a high school diploma plus relevant work experience in social services, case management, or housing. Contact the NHA human resources office to ask whether your experience qualifies you to explore for a specific counselor position.
How do I know if my background will disqualify me from a job?
The NHA reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically reject candidates with a record. Factors include the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to the job duties. Contact human resources before explore if you have concerns about your background.
Can I explore for multiple positions at the same time?
Yes. You can submit separate applications for different openings. If you are offered multiple positions, you can choose which one to accept. Some organizations ask you to notify them if you accept a position elsewhere so they can stop the hiring process for other roles.
What should I do if I do not hear back after explore?
Wait at least two weeks after the process important date before following up. Then contact the NHA human resources office by phone or email to ask about the status of your process. They can tell you whether you advanced to the interview stage or if the position has been filled.