Permit Specialist - Telecommunications

Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity?

Join a fast-growing fibre-optic broadband provider established in 2023 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, focused on delivering fast, reliable connectivity to homes and businesses across Texas and beyond. Backed by a leading digital infrastructure investment firm and founded by experienced internet industry professionals, the organization is driven by a commitment to exceptional customer experience, community connection, and building a workplace where people can thrive. With a strong community focus, the company also pledges a 1% annual giveback to local charities and causes, while operating as an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory hiring practices in line with federal and Texas law.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, feel free to reach out and apply today!

Responsibilities:

Permit Preparation and Management

• Lead the permit application process of all OSP projects, ensuring timely submission and approval.
• Research and liaise with local, state and federal agencies to acquire permits and ensure compliance with regulations and provide regular updates as required.
• Prepare, track and manage permit packages and applications addressing any issues that arise.
• Identify long lead permit requirements (DOT, RR, etc.) and ensure these permits are submitted and obtained as early as possible not to delay construction.
• Perform Make-Ready analysis for aerial routes and review/approve Pole Attachment applications.
• Review structural evaluations of utility poles using PLA (pole loading analysis) software.
• Maintain accurate records of all permits, approvals, and related documents for each project.
• Ensure that all permitting requirements (e.g., environmental, zoning, right-of-way) are met before any construction activities begin.
• Collaborate with the OSP engineering team, construction teams, and external contractors to ensure permit needs are identified and met.
• Handle any permit-related issues that may arise during the planning or construction phases.
• Work proactively with local authorities to resolve permit disputes or delays.

Planning, Quality Control and Reporting

• Perform review of permitting packages to ensure adherence to permitting authority and company standards.
• Review work packages to ensure quality and comprehensiveness in preparation of assignment for both internal and external resources.
• Provide input on best practices, permit processes and field construction methods in support of implementing efficient and cost -effective solutions.
• Report weekly on the number of FTTH passings/serving areas by permitting status: not started, in progress, submitted, approved, ready for construction.
• Set and manage priorities for contractors and teammates.
• Work with PMO to assist in the preparation of project timelines, provide regular updates on schedule and identify critical permitting milestones and provide solutions to mitigate delays.
• Organize and maintain revisions of project deliverables.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attends various meetings with management, departments, and vendors to ensure company objectives are met.
• Provide weekly reports and update management on status and issues.
• Updates internal permit tracking reports and schedules.
• Maintains detailed records and reports related to all communication and interaction with permitting agencies.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Permit specialist is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in telecommunications permitting or engineering preferred.
• Able to travel for business requirements; possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and deliver impactful presentations to supervisors and managers, while constructively escalating issues and challenges when required.
• Ability to work independently and with a team of senior-level engineers and supervisors to develop solutions to complete assigned tasks.
• Expert knowledge of outside plant engineering, field design methods, and Telecom products.
• Working knowledge of city/county/DOT/Railroad permit process.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• AutoCAD or similar tool experience is recommended.
• Experience in GIS software (ArcGIS, 3GIS, Vetro Fiber, IQGeo, or similar) is required.
• Experience in PLA (Pole Loading Analysis) software is a plus.
• Able to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments.

Salary:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.