Permitting Specialist (Natural Resources)

Full-time - Mid Level

Cedar Rapids, IA

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing

About the position

The position serves as a subject matter expert on local, county, state, and federal permits for capital projects. The role involves analyzing proposed capital projects for potential utility permit conflicts and determining the necessary permits and approvals required for constructing the company's multi-million-dollar capital infrastructure plan. The individual will plan, control, and direct permitting activities with various agencies and act as an intermediary between internal representatives, external project coordinators, permitting agencies, and municipal representatives. Effective communication of permit status and stipulations to all parties is essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on local, county, state and federal permits for capital projects
• Analyze permit applications, survey/engineering drawings, ESRI/GIS data and layers, ordinances, violation notices and documents required to apply for and secure permit approvals for capital projects
• Research, analyze and prepare documentation for required permits for building and executing large scale utility infrastructure projects
• Negotiate with local, county, state and federal permitting agencies to secure approval for all capital projects
• Serve as ITC's representative for remediation of permit violations for all capital projects
• Independently develop, maintain and utilize relationships with outside permitting agencies at all levels
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure all permits are secured to legally complete capital project work
• Communicate permit status and stipulations to internal and external parties
• Proactively gather information from local, county and state agencies on their infrastructure projects that may impact ITC assets
• Prepare maps, drawings and manage permitting fees for permit approvals
• Effectively administer the use of resources, including outside agents
• Independently develop, maintain and utilize internal relationships with other departments
• Ensure that the company's capital project permits are properly acquired, recorded, maintained and organized
• Monitor, track and implement permit requirements and timelines to meet project goals
• Conduct field visits to view existing electric transmission facilities as necessary to secure permits
• Ensure leadership is kept apprised of actions, issues and progress on projects
• Develop and prepare reports as required and/or requested
• Constantly seek out and identify opportunities for improvements to ITC systems and processes
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams relative to permitting

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Ecology or relevant equivalent experience and/or education
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience submitting, reviewing and approving permit applications
• Minimum of three (3) years relevant experience developing relationships with governmental officials, community members or customers in a regulated environment or governmental entity
• Ability to read and interpret site drawings
• Utility experience preferred
• Experience in managing complex permitting projects
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Capacity to perform all duties with great degree of accuracy, timeliness, organization and effectiveness
• Diplomatic, relationship builder with strong professional presence
• Possess sound analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a high degree of professionalism
• Focus on results, meeting deadlines, managing multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Ability to use sound business judgment to formulate conclusions and articulate recommendations
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access)
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work outside typical working hours to support capital projects permitting needs
• Authorized to work in the United States for any employer

Nice-to-haves

• Working knowledge of geographic information system (GIS)
• Experience with environmental impact analysis related to linear transmission line projects
• Agency consultation for regulatory compliance/permitting
• Biological resources mitigation, design and monitoring
• Construction monitoring
• Wetland and waterway delineation and permitting