Permitting Specialist (Natural Resources)

JOB SUMMARY

Serve as subject matter expert on local, county, state and federal permits for capital projects. Analyzes proposed capital projects for potential utility permit conflicts and determines which permits and approvals are needed to construct company multi-million-dollar capital infrastructure plan. Plans, controls and directs permitting activities with all local, county, state and federal agencies. Serves as intermediary between internal ITC representatives, external project coordinators, permitting agencies and municipal representatives. Effectively communicates permit status and stipulations to internal and external parties.

Natural Resources Supplement: 

Natural Resource permit specialist candidates must have three plus years specialized experience in areas such as: Water Resources Protection; Inland Lakes and Streams; Wetlands Protection; Natural Resources, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and/or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

• Specialized experience will guide permit specialist to make recommendations and support the development of environmental studies and resource analysis for complex projects and interact with regulatory bodies advocating company’s position.
• Working knowledge of geographic information system (GIS); environmental impact analysis related to linear transmission line projects; agency consultation for regulatory compliance/ permitting; biological resources mitigation, design and monitoring; and construction monitoring; and wetland and waterway delineation and permitting, is preferred. 

Manages consultants performing environmental desktop reviews and field surveys and oversee preparation of reports, compliance filings, permit applications, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). including developing requests for proposal and requesting, reviewing, and securing bids, developing budgets and schedules. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as subject matter expert on local, county, state and federal permits for capital projects
• Analyzes permit applications, survey/engineering drawings, ESRI/GIS data and layers, ordinances, violation notices and documents required to apply for and secure permit approvals for capital projects
• Research, analyze and prepare documentation for required permits for building and executing large scale utility infrastructure projects 
• Negotiates with local, county, state and federal permitting agencies to secure approval for all capital projects
• Serve as ITC's representative for remediation of permit violations for all capital projects
• Independently develops, maintains and utilizes relationships with outside permitting agencies at all levels; such as EPA, DNR, DOT, FAA, county and drain road commissions, municipal engineering departments, public works, etc., to receive permit approvals in a timely fashion
• Collaborates with internal departments to ensure all permits are secured to legally complete capital project work and outside agency asset relocation requests 
• Communicates permit status and stipulations to internal and external parties
• Proactively gather information from local, county and state agencies on their infrastructure projects that potentially may impact ITC overhead and underground assets
• Prepares maps, drawings and manages permitting fees for permit approvals
• Effectively administers the use of resources, including outside agents that may be utilized.
• Independently develops, maintains and utilizes internal relationships with other departments and employees to facilitate effective progress
• Ensures that the company's capital project permits are properly acquired, recorded, maintained and organized within appropriate systems
• Monitors, tracks and implements permit requirements and timelines to effectively meet project goals
• Conducts field visits to view existing electric transmission facilities as necessary to secure permits
• Ensures leadership is kept apprised of actions, issues and progress on projects
• Develops and prepares reports as required and/or requested
• Constantly seeks out and identifies opportunities for improvements to ITC systems and processes; initiates action to implement new processes
• Manages multi-disciplinary teams relative to permitting

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in, Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Ecology or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience submitting, reviewing and approving permit applications required
• Minimum of three (3) years relevant experience developing relationships with governmental officials, community members or customers in either a regulated environment or governmental entity required
• Ability to read and interpret site drawings required
• Utility experience preferred
• Experience in managing complex permitting projects
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Capacity to perform all duties with great degree of accuracy, timeliness, organization and effectiveness.
• Diplomatic, relationship builder with strong professional presence and demonstrated ability to influence others
• Possess sound analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors and individuals inside and outside the company with a high degree of professionalism and knowledge
• Focus on results, meeting deadlines, managing multiple tasks and able to manage changing priorities in an efficient and well-ordered manner
• Ability to perform all duties with great degrees of accuracy, timeliness, organization and effectiveness with minimal levels of supervision
• Ability to use sound business judgment to formulate conclusions and articulate recommendations in a way that is meaningful and valuable
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access)
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work outside typical working hours to support and respond to capital projects permitting needs
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.