Sr Permit & Zoning Agent

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location

: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to One Energy Plaza located in Jackson, MI.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary Of Job Responsibilities

The Senior Permit and Zoning Agent will be responsible for leading the zoning and rezoning efforts for Gas, HVD, Generation, Facilities and Renewable work streams. The incumbent will assess the impact of zoning rules and regulations and work with the project team to develop a strategy to insure project success. Responsible party for the proper submission and acquisition of all permits under the responsibility of Real Estate Acquisition within assigned work streams. Responsible for fostering and maintaining positive relationships with local municipalities, governmental agencies and railroads. Serve as the zoning and permitting expert for project teams within assigned work streams and will be responsible for the management of contractor resources on an as needed basis.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

- Lead the creation and maintenance of relationships with cities, counties, municipalities, railroads, state agencies and public works departments and serve as the project permit and zoning expert at community open houses and public events

- Read and interpret complex real estate documents (to include leases, licenses, transfer documents, and partial interests) legal descriptions, construction related drawings, and local and state statutes. Must be able to assess the impact to projects and have the ability to create detailed mitigation strategies to combat level of impact

- Provide clear and accurate communications, discussions, negotiations with stakeholders including preparing and performing presentations for external stakeholders and outside agencies

- Serve as the project Permit and Zoning expert at governmental meetings by leading discussions and negotiations related to zoning for renewable and other utility projects

- Responsible for the creation and execution of complex project zoning and permitting strategy

- Manage the permit application process and annual permit process, while also handling negotiations with Michigan Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Railroads, local government and state agencies

- Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

- Strong knowledge of real estate law, permit and zoning industry standards and real estate transactions

- Identify, analyze and evaluate the impact, rights and restrictions contained in legal documents and contracts associated with land rights

- Ability to interpret survey drawings, permits, ordinances, engineering and construction plans

- Ability to understand and apply legislation as industry changes occur

- Ability to manage contract work force

- Analytical

- Self-motivated

- Advanced communication and negotiation skills

- Able to foster strong cross functional relationships with our partners in community affairs to ensure strategy execution

- Ability to manage multiple conflicting projects and priorities simultaneously while still meeting objectives and deadlines

Education & Experience

- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Real Estate, Land Planning or Law with 4 years in utility permitting, renewable and/or utility zoning, land use planning, real estate negotiations, community affairs/engagement

- [OR] Associate's Degree in Business, Real Estate, Land Planning or Law with 6 years in utility permitting, renewable and/or utility zoning, land use planning, real estate negotiations, community affairs/engagement

- [OR] High School Diploma with 8 years in utility permitting, renewable and/or utility zoning, land use planning, real estate negotiations, community affairs/engagement

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What We Offer

- Competitive compensation packages

- Medical, Dental and Vision

- 401k with company match

- Paid parental leave

- Up to 13 paid Holidays

- Paid time off

- Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.