Position Summary:

We are currently seeking a candidate for an OSP (Outside Plant) Permit Specialist to join our Fiber Team. The OSP Permit Specialist is responsible for supporting necessary engineering and construction related permitting submittals to various jurisdictions and utility pole owners impacted by our multi county fiber to the home project. The role works closely with the engineering team, 3^rd party vendors, pole owners and local jurisdictions. They will resolve conflicts as they arise while tracking multiple, concurrent permit submittals across multiple jurisdictions and counties. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented and organized with excellent analytic and problem-solving abilities. Must be able to take initiative and have the ability to display excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

OSP Permit Specialist critical responsibilities:

• Works closely with OSP Engineers to create and review permit drawings and packages including VDOT traffic control, railroad right of way work to ensure compliance with permit drawing requirements of the jurisdiction and or ROW contact.
• Supports applications, application tracking, database research and pole project management.
• Research/navigates complex databases and uses critical thinking analysis to provide proper permit applications according to known practices and guidelines.
• Acquires permit fee amounts, complete permit application, and submit check requests ensuring timely permitting submittal and on time performance of the permitting process.
• Prepares and updates internal permit tracking reports and schedules.
• Manages relationship to jurisdictions and ROW contacts such as municipalities, state agencies, and railroad to detail specific requirements including design specifications, permit lead times, points of contact, and specific requirements to expedite delivery process.
• Provides direct interface with pole partner, pole owners, utility contractors, jurisdictional authorities, etc.
• Works with the project team to understand priorities and communicates permit package deliverables.
• Prioritizes permit submittals based upon review/lead times and schedules.
• Determines requirements for permit and plan submissions, including review and updates to standards and forms if required.
• Closely monitors the status of poles in the application and approval process, flags and reports risks and other issues for escalation and mitigation.
• Maintains detailed records and reports related to all communication and interaction with permitting agencies.
• Manages interactions needed to enable the efficient and timely processing of the required permits.
• Adheres to and promotes the environmental, health and safety policies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure effective operation of the department and the Company.

Qualifications of a strong candidate:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or the equivalent education and /or experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in the telecommunications industry
• Minimum 1 years’ experience as a Permit Specialist/Right of Way Agent, particularly involving telecommunications permitting with outside plant, fiber optics, telecommunication architectures, and optical transport equipment is required.
• Project Management experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel (required), PowerPoint and Outlook. SharePoint experience a plus.
• Must be familiar with telecommunications terms and infrastructure.
• AutoCAD, Q-GIS, and Google Earth experience preferred.
• Must be willing to learn new software, as necessary.
• Good decision making, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to meet critical due dates.
• Ability to complete tasks with latitude to decide what work will be required well in advance of actual activities.
• Excellent organization, time management and follow up skills and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills including a proven ability to listen and understand customers, as well as ability to work in a team environment.