Environmental Permitting Specialist

Thayer Power & Communications; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Professional development and training

Job summary

Thayer Power & Communications is seeking a Permitting Specialist to manage environmental reviews, NEPA compliance, ESA considerations, and historic preservation for broadband deployments. You will coordinate ROW, traffic control, and utility permitting, ensuring regulatory approvals and environmental requirements are met.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience navigating multi-agency processes, preparing environmental submissions, and working with federal/state agencies to keep projects on

Qualifications

• Experience with NEPA, ESA and cultural/historic preservation compliance for broadband or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with environmental screening tools, mitigation planning and best practices for federal programs.
• Knowledge of municipal/state permitting processes including ROW and traffic control permitting.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental permitting and NEPA evaluations for broadband and utility projects.
• Prepare environmental submissions for federal/state/local agencies and coordinate with regulators.
• Identify environmental constraints along fiber routes and advise engineering teams.
• Integrate environmental best practices into construction documents and field execution.
• Submit ROW permit applications to municipalities, counties, and DOT agencies.
• Prepare pole attachment applications and coordinate make-ready requirements.
• Develop and submit traffic control plans per MUTCD/DOT requirements.
• Acquire special permits including railroad and waterway crossings.
• Maintain permit logs and compliance documentation; provide updates to teams.

Skills

NEPA compliance

ESA compliance

Cultural preservation

Regulatory coordination

Environmental permitting

Stakeholder communication

Education

Associate degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Environmental screening tools

Job description

Job Summary:We are seeking a Permitting Specialist with strong experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance to support fiber‑optic, make‑ready, and utility distribution projects. This role focuses heavily on managing environmental reviews, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, endangered species considerations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and historic preservation documentation, all of which are critical requirements for broadband deployments. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience navigating multi‑agency environmental processes while also coordinating Right‑of‑Way (ROW), traffic control, and utility permitting. Candidates should be proficient in preparing environmental submissions, working with federal and state agencies, and ensuring projects meet all environmental and construction authorization requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage environmental permitting and documentation, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluations, environmental screening, Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance, and historic preservation requirements applicable to broadband and utility projects.
• Prepare environmental submissions for federal, state, and local agencies and coordinate with regulatory bodies to resolve issues and expedite approvals.
• Identify environmental constraints along fiber routes and utility corridors and provide guidance to engineering teams to avoid or minimize impacts.
• Support integration of environmental best practices and mitigation measures into construction documents and field execution.
• Submit Right‑of‑Way (ROW) permit applications to municipalities, counties, and state Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies for project segments requiring land access or construction authorization.
• Prepare pole attachment applications and coordinate make‑ready requirements with utility pole owners, ensuring environmental constraints are addressed early in the process.
• Develop and submit traffic control plans as required for permit approval, ensuring compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
• Acquire special permits—including railroad and waterway crossings—while ensuring environmental impacts are documented and mitigated.
• Maintain permit logs, environmental records, compliance documentation, and provide regular updates to engineering teams and project managers.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with environmental permitting, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and cultural/historic preservation compliance for broadband or infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of environmental screening tools, mitigation planning, and environmental best practices used in federal broadband programs.
• Understanding of municipal and state permitting processes, including Right‑of‑Way (ROW), utility coordination, and traffic control permitting.
• Familiarity with pole attachment permitting, make‑ready workflows, and environmental considerations affecting pole infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret environmental reports, engineering drawings, route maps, and permitting requirements.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills with ability to coordinate across agencies and stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Associate degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Utility Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field. 2+ years of experience in environmental permitting for telecom, utility, construction, or infrastructure projects.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Professional development and training opportunities

All applicants who are offered employment with Thayer Power & Communication Line Construction Co., LLC (TPC), will be subject to a background investigation and drug test. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation and drug test conducted in accordance with TPC Policy and state law.

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, TPC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.