Permitting Specialist (Creative Design)

Position Title: Permitting Specialist (P2) 

Company Summary

Crown Castle is the nation's largest provider of shared communications infrastructure: towers, small cells and fiber. It all works together to meet unprecedented demand—connecting people and communities and transforming the way we do business. Whenever you make a call, track a workout or stream music and videos, we're the ones providing the communications infrastructure that makes it all possible. From 5G and the internet of things to drones, autonomous vehicles and AR/VR, we enable the technologies that help people stay safe, connected and ready for the future.   Crown Castle is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (CCI), is part of the S&P 500 and is one of the largest Real Estate Investment Trusts in the US.        

We offer a total benefits package and professional growth development for teammates in any stage of their career. Along with caring for our teammates, we're an active member in the communities where we live, work and do business. We have a responsibility to give back, which we do through our Connected by Good program. Giving back allows us to improve public spaces where people connect, promote public safety and advance access to education and technology. 

Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Crown Castle 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 Crown-owned infrastructure within the rights-of-way
• Responsible for representing Crown Castle 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.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field or equivalent work experience
• Wireless industry experience preferred but not required
• Zoning and Permitting experience preferred but not required
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school will be considered in lieu of experience

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.

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 ar note 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

Organizational Relationship 

Reports to:  Supervisor Permitting 

Title(s) of direct reports (if applicable):  N/A

Working Conditions: This role falls into our hybrid work model working in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  On Mondays and 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.   

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) Zoning