Permit Specialist

Lightcurve Internet; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401K with employer match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Lightcurve is seeking a Permit Specialist to manage permitting for telecommunications and broadband projects. You will review contractor permits, submit to authorities, and track approvals to keep projects on schedule.

Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with tariffs and regulations, coordinating with pole owners and agencies, maintaining records, and supporting engineering reviews. Remote work is not available; full-time role in WA with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in telecommunications, utilities, or construction permitting with pole attachments and ROW.
• Strong understanding of utility regulatory processes and local agency workflows.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Permit applications: review, submit, track, and secure licenses and ROW permits.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with tariffs, agreements, and ordinances.
• Coordinate with pole owners and permitting authorities to expedite approvals.
• Maintain meticulous records in project databases and reports.
• Review designs for permitting requirements and assist engineering teams.

Skills

GIS mapping

Microsoft Office

Permit tracking software

NESC knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

GIS software

Permit management tools

Job description

Any Lightcurve Office, currently including Eatonville, Yelm, Ellensburg, and Tacoma

About Lightcurve

Headquartered in Tacoma, WA, Lightcurve is a local leader in delivering high-speed internet and digital connectivity solutions to communities throughout Washington State. With a commitment to providing innovative and reliable broadband services delivered with a focus on excellent customer service, Lightcurve is dedicated to connecting people, supporting community growth, and building networks that fuel our local economies.

Lightcurve has announced plans to deploy fiber optic broadband in several communities. These investments will allow Lightcurve to rapidly invest in modern fiber-optic broadband networks in both existing markets as well as in several expansion markets, bringing the latest in high-speed reliable broadband solutions to its communities.

Company Culture and Values -

Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of integrity at all times.

Delighting Our Customers: Delivering exceptional experiences that exceed expectations.

Collaboration: Working together to create successful outcomes for customers and employees alike.

Position Summary

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 will include understanding this permitting agencies processes and maintaining continuous communication with them to insure 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 counter parts 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 (like 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.

, 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
• 401K w/ Employer match
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 4 weeks per year Paid Time Off (prorated & accrued)

Lightcurve is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.