Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906. Today, Ritter Communications serves over 100 communities across Arkansas, northeast Texas, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee. The company has grown steadily over the years, expanding rapidly and is now the largest privately-held regional broadband fiber, telecom, video and cloud services provider in the Mid-South. Ritter invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer focused experience.

General Summary:

The OSP Permit Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the permitting process for outside plant projects. This role collaborates with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, utility companies, and internal teams, to obtain the necessary permits for the installation, maintenance, and expansion of our telecommunications infrastructure.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinates and manages the end-to-end permitting process for outside plant projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations;
• Researches and understands zoning regulations, permit requirements, and codes applicable to outside plant construction and telecommunications infrastructure;
• Collaborates with local municipalities, government agencies, and utility companies to obtain permits and approvals in a timely manner;
• Prepares and submits permit applications, including required documentation, drawings, and project specifications;
• Collaborates with engineering, construction, and legal teams to address any permitting-related issues or concerns;
• Maintains accurate records of permit statuses, approvals, and related documentation;
• Monitors and track project timelines to ensure permit acquisition aligns with project schedules;
• Conducts site visits and inspections as needed to facilitate the permitting process;
• Communicates effectively with internal stakeholders and external entities to provide updates on permit statuses and resolve any issues that may arise;
• Remains updated on industry regulations, changes in permitting procedures, and best practices to streamline processes and optimize efficiency;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations;
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of telecommunications construction and engineering practices and principals;
• Knowledge of industry regulations affecting engineering projects;
• Knowledge of management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of company products and services;
• Skill in operating various office equipment such as personal computer, various software programs, and telephone systems;
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and forms including purchase orders, invoices, expense reports, time reports, material requisition forms, work orders, trouble tickets, and service orders;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to make sound decisions using information at hand;
• Ability to contribute to a team environment;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent plus one to two years’ experience in network construction, installation/repair operations, or project management.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)