Permit Specialist
Posted Aug 28, 2026
Full Time
Field Operations, Logistics & Engineering
Centralia, Eatonville, Ellensburg, Selah, Tacoma, Yelm
The Permit Specialist manages the permitting and regulatory approval process for Lightcurve's telecommunications and broadband infrastructure projects. This role coordinates with internal teams and external agencies to prepare, submit, and track permit applications, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and supporting timely project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Permit Application Management: Review contractor prepared permits, submit, track, and secure pole attachment license agreements (e.g., Joint Use Applications) and Right-of-Way (ROW) permits from utility companies, municipalities, state agencies (like DOTs), and other governing bodies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply utility tariffs, contractual agreements, municipal ordinances, and state/federal regulations related to utility pole attachments, conduit use, and ROW work.
- Coordination & Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact with pole owners (electric companies, incumbent local exchange carriers, etc.) and governmental permitting authorities to negotiate, resolve issues, and expedite permit approvals. This includes understanding each permitting agency's processes and maintaining continuous communication with them to ensure permit approvals are moving as fast as possible.
- Documentation & Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of all applications, correspondence, permits, licenses, easements, and associated fees in project management databases.
- Technical Review: Review engineering designs and construction plans (make-ready analysis, strand maps, plats) to ensure compliance with permitting requirements and structural loading standards. Work closely with engineering counterparts who will perform the detailed analysis.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement efficiencies in the permitting and pole attachment process to reduce cycle times and project delays.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in telecommunications, utilities, or construction permitting, specifically dealing with pole attachments (e.g., NESC standards, make-ready processes) and ROW.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of the relevant regulatory environment, including the processes of major utility owners (such as major IOUs or telcos) and local public works departments.
- Skills: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Software Proficiency: Competency in GIS mapping tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and permit tracking software.
- Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience in a related field such as planning, engineering, or project management.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective negotiation and technical correspondence.
- Valid driver's license and non-negligent driving record
- Ability to pass employment level background and drug screenings
- Ability to distinguish colors
Location, Physical & Work Requirements
- This position will be required to work 100% in the assigned project areas. No remote work will be possible.
- Must be able to perform extended periods of time sitting/standing, typing, driving, and viewing computer screens
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet important deadlines when required
Compensation
- This full-time exempt position pays $80,200 – $93,800 annually
- Reimbursable mileage/travel between offices as needed
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Access to Employee Assistance Programs
- 10 paid holidays
- 4 weeks per year paid time off (prorated and accrued)
Lightcurve is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.