Position Summary
The Utility Permit Coordinator plays a vital role in efficiently obtaining and documenting ROW permits, focusing on railroad, municipal, and Texas Department of Transportation permits. This position develops and implements strategies to optimize the permit acquisition process, negotiate favorable terms, and reduce costs related to rights of way operations. The individual researches local and state engineering permitting requirements, prepares permit applications for utility crossings, and assists in environmental permit preparations. The role involves coordinating with utilities, pipeline companies, and governmental departments to ensure smooth progression of permits. Additionally, the specialist provides project support, coordination, and resource planning while maintaining consistency across multiple agencies.
Primary Position Responsibilities
•Utilizes processes for the consistent application, acquisition, and documentation of ROW permits, i.e. railroad and Texas Department of Transportation.
•Develops and implements strategies to optimize permit acquisition processes, negotiate favorable terms, and reduce costs associated with operating in rights of way.
•Evaluates and mitigates potential risks related to permit operations and provides recommendations to upper management.
•Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and secure suitable locations for new infrastructure projects, considering environmental and community impact factors.
•Researches local and state engineering permitting requirements related to the construction of electric distribution lines and substation projects.
•Prepares permit applications for utility crossings that are non-environmental related – railroads, pipelines, highways, canals, fiber optic lines, other powerlines, etc.
•Assists in all environmental permit preparations.
•Coordinates with utilities, pipeline companies, Departments of Transportation, etc., along with CoServ staff to ensure progression and status of permits.
•Communicates construction protocols and requirements to the engineering team and construction personnel.
•Coordinates meetings that apply to right-of-way, utility crossings, or non-environmental permitting.
•Assists project managers with project controls, team coordination, budget, and forecasting.
•Prepares and review permit schedules and milestones with internal and external project stakeholders.
•Provides preliminary scheduling of internal resources based upon permit requirements and approvals.
•Interfaces with Engineering and Operations personnel; and external clients and subcontractors.
•Supports Real Estate Services department staff in encroachment acquisitions based on understanding of individual governmental agency’s needs and operations.
•Manages multiple projects at various stages, disciplines, and locations.
•Develops process documentation to ensure consistent permit acquisition across multiple governmental agencies for most efficient use of internal resources.
•Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.
•Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.
Secondary Position Responsibilities
•Ensures that permit documentation is recorded properly in system of record for submission and review operated by entity providing approval.
•Communicates with CoServ staff regarding permitting activities.
•Coordinates with internal and external customers on any necessary permit matters.
•Coordinates with state agencies on permit matters as necessary.
•Attends governmental planning meetings as representative for CoServ.
•Serves as liaison between staff and permitting entities.
•Facilitates submission of any necessary documentation for permit approval.
•Verifies data used across multiple platforms and reports for consistency and accuracy including the updating of GIS database.
•Performs other duties and activities as directed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Position Requirements
Education and Certifications Required
•High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalency.
Education and Certifications Preferred
•Associate’s degree with two (2) years of utility work experience.
Experience Required
•Five (5) years of permitting experience and/or administrative support
Experience Preferred
•Seven (7) years of permitting experience and/or administrative support
•Two (2) years of experience in the utility industry
Skills and Abilities Required
•Possesses excellent writing and oral communication skills demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills through interface with internal and external stakeholders.
•Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
•Ability to work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals.
•With minimal supervision, ability to work efficiently, plan, and schedule own
•Ability to maintain accurate records and be proficient with technical
•Ability to concentrate and complete procedures in an error free
•Demonstrates a high level of independent judgment and
•Understands and carries out complex oral and written
Skills and Abilities Preferred
•Understands and follows maps, system maps, Grid Map and line design books and manuals.
•Effective negotiating and interpersonal skills.
•Working knowledge and understanding of CoServ policies and procedures
•Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
Physical Requirements
•Indoor, office environment.
•Ability to sit for long periods of time.
•Ability to lift a minimum of 15 pounds.
•Ability to drive as needed.
•Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.
Other Requirements
•Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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