Permit Specialist

While noted as Tacoma, this position has potential to spend time in various locations and is preformed across all of Lightcurve's Northwest Territory, currently including Eatonville, Yelm, Ellensburg, and Tacoma

About Lightcurve

Lightcurve is a privately held company headquartered in Tacoma WA. With a 100-year history of offering connectivity solutions to the communities it serves, Lightcurve has established a reputation as a customer and service-oriented enterprise. In 2020, Lightcurve entered into a long-term partnership with the City of Tacoma to operate the city-wide high speed internet network providing competitive broadband in Tacoma, now representing the largest market served by Rainier Connect. In 2023 Lightcurve closed on a transaction to be acquired by Palisade Infrastructure (“Palisade”). This investment will allow Lightcurve to rapidly invest in modern fiber-optic broadband networks in both existing markets as well as in several expansion markets, bringing the latest in high-speed reliable broadband solutions to its communities. Lightcurve is committed to delivering the best internet experience at home and at work. The company will combine the latest and most reliable fiber optic technology with a promise of transparency and trusted service from people who live and work in the communities we serve.

Company Culture and Values - At Lightcurve, we are driven by our core values.  

Integrity Upholding the highest standards of integrity at all times. 

Delighting Our Customers: Delivering exceptional experiences that exceed expectations. 

Collaboration: Working together to create successful outcomes for customers and employees alike. 

Position Summary

The Permit Specialist manages the permitting and regulatory approval process for Lightcurve’s telecommunications and broadband infrastructure projects. This role coordinates with internal teams and external agencies to prepare, submit, and track permit applications, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and supporting timely project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Permit Application Management: Review contractor prepared permits, submit, track, and secure pole attachment license agreements (e.g., Joint Use Applications) and Right-of-Way (ROW) permits from utility companies, municipalities, state agencies (like DOTs), and other governing bodies.

·        Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply utility tariffs, contractual agreements, municipal ordinances, and state/federal regulations related to utility pole attachments, conduit use, and ROW work.

·        Coordination & Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact with pole owners (electric companies, incumbent local exchange carriers, etc.) and governmental permitting authorities to negotiate, resolve issues, and expedite permit approvals. This will include understanding this permitting agencies processes and maintaining continuous communication with them to insure permit approvals are moving as fast as possible.

·        Documentation & Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of all applications, correspondence, permits, licenses, easements, and associated fees in project management databases.

·        Technical Review: Review engineering designs and construction plans (make-ready analysis, strand maps, plats) to ensure compliance with permitting requirements and structural loading standards. Work closely with engineering counter parts who will perform the detailed analysis.

·        Process Improvement: Identify and implement efficiencies in the permitting and pole attachment process to reduce cycle times and project delays.

Qualifications:

·        Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in telecommunications, utilities, or construction permitting, specifically dealing with pole attachments (e.g., NESC standards, make-ready processes) and ROW.

·        Knowledge: Strong understanding of the relevant regulatory environment, including the processes of major utility owners (like major IOUs or telcos) and local public works departments.

·        Skills: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

·        Software Proficiency: Competency in GIS mapping tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and permit tracking software.

·        Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience in a related field such as planning, engineering, or project management.

·        Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective negotiation and technical correspondence.

·        Valid Driver’s License and Non-Negligent Driving Record Ability to pass Employment Level Background and Drug Screenings

Location, Physical & Work Requirements:

• This position will be required to work 100% in the assigned project areas. No remote work will be possible.
• Must be able to perform extended periods of time sitting/standing, typing, and viewing computer screens.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet important deadlines when required.

Compensation:

• This full-time salary position pays $81,000-$98,000 annually
• Reimbursable mileage/travel between offices as needed
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance programs
• 401K w/ Employer match
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 4 weeks per year Paid Time Off (prorated & accrued)

Lightcurve is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.