Permit Coordinator

One of CEI's largest Power, Energy, & Electric Utilities clients is seeking a Permitting Specialist to join their growing organization!

Client/Industry: Power, Energy, & Electric Utilities

Job Title: Permitting Specialist / ROW Agent

Location: Hybrid/Onsite/Remote (varying) | Allentown, PA 18104

Work Schedule/Shift: Mon-Fri | Minimum 40 work hours per week.

Duration/Length of Assignment: 10 Month Contract to Hire

Additional Information: Notary License in PA required

*Must be able to convert to a full-time employee without sponsorship, restrictions, or an additional employer*

• W2 Employment Only – No Corp to Corp / C2C arrangements.
• Expected potential for contract extension(s) and/or conversion to Full-Time/Permanent Employment.
• Optional benefits available during contract (Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401k)

Position Overview:

This position supports a critical initiative within the utility sector focused on the acquisition, management, and maintenance of legal rights necessary for the construction, relocation, and improvement of electric distribution and communication infrastructure. The Right of Way Agent will play a key role in ensuring infrastructure projects are completed on schedule by securing legally acceptable easements and access agreements, managing existing property rights, coordinating with stakeholders, and facilitating the permitting process with government agencies. The role will also support internal departments and cross-functional teams while promoting process improvements across the right-of-way organization. This role involves field work, direct communication with property owners and government entities, and collaboration with engineering and construction teams to support electric utility operations.

Required Skills/Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, real estate, or STEM discipline with 3 years of related field experience in right-of-way, real estate, surveying, civil engineering, or land management
• OR Associate Degree in business, accounting, or STEM discipline with 5 years of related field experience in right-of-way, real estate, surveying, civil engineering, or land management
• Working knowledge of real estate law, legal terminology, courthouse practices, and procedures
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and legal real estate documents
• Notary Public Appointment for the State of Pennsylvania (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Valid in-state Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record
• Strong ability to conduct property research using courthouse records, tax maps, and field inspections
• Familiarity with compliance standards for state, county, and municipal regulations governing land use
• Capable of preparing clear and concise documentation including agreements, permits, reports, and contact logs
• Experience coordinating with government agencies and railroads to secure permits
• Willingness to work after hours during storms or emergencies in a designated storm support role

Preferred Skills (Not Required):

• Strong negotiation, leadership, and public relations capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, GIS, and work management tools
• Experience with real estate change management initiatives
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and adapt to shifting priorities
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills
• Designation as SRWA (Senior Right of Way Agent) through IRWA (International Right of Way Association)

Day to Day/Responsibilities:

• Determine the need for and acquire legally valid right-of-way for distribution construction or modification projects
• Negotiate with property owners to obtain easements and access or to modify project design as needed
• Conduct property ownership investigations through tax maps, courthouse records, and site inspections
• Ensure compliance with local, county, and state land use ordinances and permitting requirements
• Secure access road agreements and coordinate off-right-of-way access when required
• Collaborate directly with engineering firms and internal teams to support construction schedules
• Plan and manage workload and contractor support, with appropriate approvals for contractor engagement
• Negotiate and execute temporary lease agreements for lay down areas and staging of materials
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve issues related to land use, claims, and distribution facility status
• Serve as the liaison between landowners and the company from planning through post-construction
• Maintain project updates and status in work management systems and ensure timely communication with internal teams
• Prepare, notarize, and record right-of-way agreements, revisions, special instructions, releases, and correspondence
• Assist in acquiring and preparing permits from governmental bodies and railroads
• Support legal counsel by conducting title searches and assisting with document review
• Review and approve all right-of-way agreements completed by field technicians before submission to corporate records
• Participate in departmental improvement initiatives and document enhancement efforts
• Serve in designated storm and emergency response roles requiring availability beyond normal working hours
• Travel within assigned areas to meet stakeholders, inspect sites, and verify compliance with legal and procedural requirements
• Perform other related duties as needed and comply with all organizational standards and policies