Easement and Land Acquisition Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Why CCI? CCI Systems, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Telecommunications Company based in Iron Mountain, MI with 60+ years of industry knowledge and experience. Our outstanding team-based work culture and environment has allowed us to grow, develop, and retain long-term employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive pay, flexibility, paid on the job training, overtime, professional development, and inspire you to be bold, yet accountable. We value our employees’ hard work and determination and REWARD results all while having fun!

We are seeking an Easement and Land Acquisition Specialist-Wireless who is responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of all easements, right-of-way, and permitting activities for both wireless and wireline infrastructure projects. This role involves negotiating complex legal agreements, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, and acting as the primary liaison with municipalities and property owners. The Easement and Land Acquisition Specialist drives project schedules, mitigates risks related to land access and permitting, and ensures a seamless transition to the construction phase, playing a critical role in the company's operational success by proactively addressing all regulatory and land access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight for the entire easement, right of way, and permitting life cycles for all assigned projects.
• Proactively manage workload to ensure project milestones are met on time and within scope.
• Identify and resolve project obstacles to mitigate project delays and ensure a smooth handoff to construction.
• Execute the acquisition of easements and rights-of-way including negotiation of terms and management of legal documentation.
• Negotiate lease agreements and permits with property owners, clients, and municipalities.
• Perform due diligence to verify property ownership and existing encumbrances that may impact new easement acquisition.
• Order title reports, as required, to confirm ownership and encumbrance.
• Review and understand easements, deeds, and other real estate documents.
• Research and interpret local, state, and federal zoning, permitting, and land use regulations.
• Prepare, submit, and track all necessary permit applications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for municipalities and jurisdictional authorities to secure approvals and address questions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure all designs and plans are compliant with jurisdictional requirements before submission.
• Maintain meticulous and organized project documentation, including all submitted applications, permits, easements, legal agreements, and communication records.
• Input all information and documentation into the relevant database or tracking system.
• Assist in the preparation of project related forms, templates, and reports.
• Provide regular status updates to internal leadership on all projects ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Ensure confidentiality of company information.  
• Individuals in this role receive privileged access and are assigned specialized training at least once a year.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.  

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of progressive experience in permitting, right of way, land use, and real estate acquisition with a strong focus on wireless or wireline infrastructure projects is required.
• 3+ years of experience in a specialized permitting or easement-focused role within the telecommunications, wireline, utility, or construction industry preferred.
• Previous experience with both wireless (macro, small cell) and wireline (fiber, copper) projects preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting legal documents municipal zoning ordinances, permitting processes, and land use regulations.
• Familiarity with interpreting legal documents, such as easements, title reports, deeds, plats, and right-of-way agreements.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal zoning ordinances, permitting processes, and land use regulations.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal, for interactions with government officials, property owners, and internal teams.
• Ability to interpret and work from construction drawings and site plans.
• Experience with permitting portals and government agency databases preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to effectively communicate both written and verbal, prepare reports and plans.  
• Highly responsible, resourceful, accurate, dependable, and self-motivated. 
• The ability to embrace corporate values, understand the company mission, and exemplifies CCI leadership behaviors. 

Shift is full-time Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST.  Must be flexible and willing to work outside normal business hours as necessary.

Additional Information

• Approximately 25% travel may be required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.