Utility Relations Specialist

12-month contract, with the potential to extend, or convert to full-time, based on performance and full-time opening.

Pay Rate: $38.00-$42.00 HR W2 (this includes the option for medical, dental and vision benefits after 90 days).

The Specialist applies for and secures all licenses and permits necessary to build fiber and small cells on time and on budget, ensuring compliance with all applicable agreements and regulatory requirements during all stages of site selection, construction and ongoing operations. Primary responsibilities include timely and accurate application for required licenses, permits and commercial electric service connections. The Specialist will monitor application timelines, effectively forecast anticipated receipt of authorizations, and assist in escalating delays internally and externally, as necessary. Requires working knowledge of governing state and federal regulations, relevant construction codes and processes, as well as frequent interface with internal and external partners. The Specialist must initiate timely system updates and communicate effectively, developing operational level subject matter expertise, proposing jurisdictional permitting and zoning solutions to customers, both internal and external. Requires knowledge of municipal processes, codes and ordinances, as well as frequent interface with local governments and jurisdictions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Review drawings for compliance with jurisdiction and/or utility standards
• Submit and acquire authorizations, approvals, and agreements as required from jurisdictions and utilities to install facilities both in the public right of way and on private property
• Addresses tactical challenges to successful, timely and cost-effective acquisition of authorizations or service connections, including resolution of application rejections or denials, violations, etc. on matters related to applicable laws, codes and ordinances as interpreted by internal legal counsel.
• Timely system updates, including accurate forecasting and milestone task completion
• Communicate effectively with all customers, both internal and external, during all stages of network deployment and operations
• Develops and maintains rich relationships with utility and staff-level jurisdictional stakeholders
• Provides research and advice to internal clients regarding conditions of attachment to regulated infrastructure and/or owned infrastructure within the rights-of-way
• Responsible for representing before local agencies, planning authorities, city councils and/or utilities
• Engage and oversee outside vendors as applicable
• Consistent with internal legal interpretations, comprehend and serve as an operational subject matter expert on matters related to applicable state & federal telecommunications regulations
• Foundational understanding of project budgets and expenses related to permits and service connections.
• Provides research and advice to internal clients regarding access rights, permitting, and project deployment.

Expectations

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with negotiating experience
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple competing priorities
• Ability to comprehend contracts and agreements
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate and present persuasive arguments to achieve desired results
• Self-starter and ability to work independently
• Keen attention to detail
• Customer service orientation with a strong problem-solving approach
• Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations related to licensing and permitting fiber and small cells.
• Proficient in presenting and speaking at both internal and external engagements
• Travel to utilities, local governments and municipalities required

Competencies

• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Manages Ambiguity: Operating effectively even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear
• Builds Networks: Effectively building formal and informal relationships networks inside and outside the organization
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems

EXPERIENCE/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience, preferably in planning, zoning, and/or land use capacity, utility joint use or telecommunications industry or relevant military experience.
• Demonstrated experience navigating corporate environment and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

•This is a combination of permitting and utility experience. Telecom. Jurisdiction. Utility. ServiceNow is a plus.

• Zoning and Permitting experience preferred but not required.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Wireless industry experience preferred but not required.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school will be considered in lieu of experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This role falls into our hybrid work model working in the office on Monday through Thursday.
• On Fridays, teammates on the hybrid schedule will have the option to work from the office or home.
• There is an expectation of collaboration with teammates and stakeholders for moments that matter that could require travel.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $38.00 - $42.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Permitting: 2 years (Required)
• Zoning: 2 years (Required)
• Utilities: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Canonsburg, PA 15317 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Canonsburg, PA 15317: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Canonsburg, PA 15317