Utility Project Coordinator

Windstream - Richmond, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, TX

Telecommunications

About the position

The Utility Project Coordinator at Windstream Communications will be responsible for managing a variety of assignments that involve significant responsibility, scope, and complexity. A key aspect of this role is to develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and individuals across Windstream's territory who are responsible for approving permits for City, County, State, and Federal entities. This position will serve as a central point of escalation for these permitting agencies, ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained in a timely manner. In addition to managing relationships with permitting agencies, the Utility Project Coordinator will be tasked with coordinating and negotiating with senior-level internal attorneys, high-profile outside counsel, and executive staff and political representatives from municipal governments. This includes conducting document research related to company rights and negotiating reimbursement agreements with private companies, local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other providers involved in facility relocation. The role also involves supporting Structure Access requests and permits concerning Windstream's application and lease of available space on poles or within underground conduits of an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) or power company. This includes conducting on-site audits for pole attachment counts and clearance issues, as well as serving as a resource for utility relocation agreements related to the relocation of outside plant facilities. The Utility Project Coordinator will be responsible for researching underlying rights and negotiating reimbursement agreements as necessary. Overall, this position requires a proactive approach to managing relationships and agreements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and facilitating the successful execution of projects within the telecommunications sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with agencies and individuals responsible for approving permits for OSP facility placement.
• Coordinate environmental, land, and archeological surveys required for permit approvals.
• Negotiate reimbursement agreements with private companies, government agencies, and other providers for facility relocations.
• Support and coordinate pole attachment audits, clearance issue reports, and structure access requests with incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), power companies, and other agencies.
• Negotiate and manage agreements for leasing available space on poles or within underground conduits.
• Support and coordinate rail crossing agreements for OSP installation projects.
• Support and coordinate easement agreements for OSP installation projects.
• Manage existing agreements, including renewals, term enforcement, and payment authorization.
• Establish relationships with government entities to secure permits for OSP facility placement.
• Collaborate with legal, engineering, and risk management teams to execute and manage contracts.
• Represent Windstream at governmental meetings (town councils, planning and zoning, etc.), including after normal working hours.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in the telecommunications industry.
• 2+ years in Telecom fiber installation.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to summarize and present detailed information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong project and time management skills with execution focus to drive results through performance.
• Proven ability to plan and organize workloads and work within multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with utility construction permit application process at the municipal level, as well as other regulatory agencies such as DOT, railroads, state land departments, and forest services.
• Familiarity with structure access request process allowed under the Telecom Act.
• Experience negotiating for easements on private property, including easement document preparation and professional survey review.
• Experience with telecom outside plant construction, including terminology and techniques, facility locates, pole attachments, engineering plans, facility relocation, and directional drilling.
• Familiarity with utility facility relocation reimbursement agreement processes and strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to compare competitor agreements, note variations and negotiate for equitable treatment in agreements.
• College degree and 5-7 years professional level experience with 2-3 years supervisory experience; or 9+ years professional level related experience with 2-3 years supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and professional level related experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Plans
• 401K Plan
• Health & Flexible Savings Account
• Life and AD&D, Spousal Life, Child Life Insurance Plans
• Educational Assistance Plan
• Identity Theft, Legal, Auto & Home and Pet Insurance