Permits Manager

at  DQE Communications

JOB TITLE: PERMITS MANAGER

DQE Communications, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a fiber-optic Internet and data network access provider for businesses and carriers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. Established in 1997 as a division of the Duquesne Light Company, DQE started as a dark fiber infrastructure provider in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, and since then has grown both its fiber footprint and product offerings to become one of the leading regional providers of secure, reliable, data network services. With its recent sale to GI Partners, a leading investor in the communications infrastructure sector, DQE has a renewed focus on growth, both in terms of increasing penetration within its current footprint and growing its network reach.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Permits Manager will be responsible for overseeing the permit acquisition process required for the deployment and maintenance of DQE’s infrastructure, including towers, antennas, and fiber optics. This role involves coordinating with power utilities, local phone companies, local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, managing permit applications, and resolving any permitting issues that may arise. The Permits Manager will also supervise, mentor, and support a small team of permit coordinators and specialists. Hybrid Role, must be local to the Pittsburgh area.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Act as team leader to provide guidance and ensure the team meets performance and development goals.
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and tracking of permit applications for all power utility, local phone companies(ILECs) and third party attachers who own pole and conduit for all DQE infrastructure projects, including site development, construction, and operational permits.
• Ensure all permits are acquired in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, staying informed about regulatory changes at the state and Federal level and integrating them into the permitting processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, zoning boards, and other regulatory bodies. Build and maintain relationships with all pole and conduit owners to facilitate smooth permit approvals.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to align permit requirements with project timelines and objectives.
• Ensure all permit submittals meet the Project Managers requirements.
• Maintain, develop and implement a detailed database for records of permit applications, approvals, and communications.
• Generate regular reports on permit status and project progress for management and team review.
• Address and resolve any issues or delays in the permitting process.
• Train permitting team to clearly understand the network design to permit against.
• Advocate for the company’s interests while navigating regulatory challenges.
• Evaluate and enhance permitting processes to improve efficiency and reduce processing times.
• Implement best practices and leverage new technologies as appropriate.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of Telecordia Blue Book of Construction, NESC, all Power Utility standards, and local, state, and federal regulations related to telecom infrastructure.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in project management software, SPANS and Varaset permitting systems.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive problem solver with a strong sense of initiative and teamwork.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with databases and spreadsheets.
• The ability to work well with other interconnected departments on daily and special projects.
• Exhibit a positive professional demeanor at all times.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certification (e.g., PMP) is advantageous.
• At least 5 years of experience in permit management, with a proven track record in the telecommunications industry.
• Experience managing or leading a team is required.

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• Act as team leader to provide guidance and ensure the team meets performance and development goals.
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and tracking of permit applications for all power utility, local phone companies(ILECs) and third party attachers who own pole and conduit for all DQE infrastructure projects, including site development, construction, and operational permits.
• Ensure all permits are acquired in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, staying informed about regulatory changes at the state and Federal level and integrating them into the permitting processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, zoning boards, and other regulatory bodies. Build and maintain relationships with all pole and conduit owners to facilitate smooth permit approvals.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to align permit requirements with project timelines and objectives.
• Ensure all permit submittals meet the Project Managers requirements.
• Maintain, develop and implement a detailed database for records of permit applications, approvals, and communications.
• Generate regular reports on permit status and project progress for management and team review.
• Address and resolve any issues or delays in the permitting process.
• Train permitting team to clearly understand the network design to permit against.
• Advocate for the company’s interests while navigating regulatory challenges.
• Evaluate and enhance permitting processes to improve efficiency and reduce processing times.
• Implement best practices and leverage new technologies as appropriate