Hybrid Permitting Specialist: Utility Projects

Southern Company; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Company seeks a Permitting Specialist to lead timely, compliant permit activities for utility infrastructure projects. You will serve as the permitting focal point within the Land Department, coordinating with railroad, environmental, and regulatory teams to align workflows and schedules.

Responsibilities include overseeing external permitting vendors, maintaining logs, and guiding teams through state/local processes while interfacing with public agencies and contractors.

Qualifications

• Understanding of state/local permitting processes (DOT, ROW, zoning).
• Experience with permitting linear utility projects (electric, gas, broadband, water/wastewater).
• Ability to read engineering plans and interpret regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with public agencies, contractors, or engineering firms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate permitting activities across state/local tracks.
• Interpret regulatory requirements and advise project teams on permitting constraints, timelines, and compliance needs.
• Maintain relationships with permitting authorities to streamline reviews and resolve issues.

Skills

Permitting processes

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Engineering plans reading

Project coordination

Communication skills

Railroad permitting

Environmental interfaces

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

High school diploma

Job description

Southern Company seeks a Permitting Specialist to lead timely, compliant permit activities for utility infrastructure projects. You will serve as the permitting focal point within the Land Department, coordinating with railroad, environmental, and regulatory teams to align workflows and schedules.

Responsibilities include overseeing external permitting vendors, maintaining logs, and guiding teams through state/local processes while interfacing with public agencies and contractors.