Permit Specialist Field Operations, Logistics & Engineering Centralia, Eatonville +4 more

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Lightcurve is seeking a Permit Specialist to manage permitting and regulatory approvals for telecommunications and broadband infrastructure projects in Washington. You will coordinate with internal teams and external agencies to prepare, submit, and track permit applications, ensuring compliance and timely project delivery.

The role requires 3–5 years in telecom or utilities permitting, with strong knowledge of pole attachments, ROW processes, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires 3–5 years of experience in telecommunications, utilities, or construction permitting, focusing on pole attachments and ROWs.
• Strong understanding of regulatory environments and utility ownership processes.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills for multi-stakeholder coordination.

Responsibilities

• Review and manage permit applications, including pole attachments and ROW permits.
• Coordinate with pole owners and permitting authorities to move approvals efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and prepare necessary documentation and reports.
• Maintain meticulous records of applications, permits, and related fees.
• Support engineering teams with make-ready analyses and compliance checks.
• Identify process improvements to reduce cycle times and delays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

GIS mapping tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Permit tracking software

Job description

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.

• 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 screeningsAbility 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.

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 provide 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.

In 2023 Palisade Infrastructure (“Palisade”) closed on a transaction to acquire Rainier Connect, forming Lightcurve. In 2024 Lightcurve closed on a transaction acquiring the Washington state operations of Consolidated Communications. Since then, 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.