Fiber Permitting Specialist

Fiber Permitting Specialist

Delta Oaks Group is seeking a Fiber Permitting Specialist to support fiber deployments including linear route permitting and point-site permitting for fiber facilities (e.g., huts, cabinets, handholes, splice locations, and related utility service coordination). This role focuses on jurisdictional research, permit strategy, application preparation, submittals, tracking, and agency coordination across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working with local/state agencies, permit portals, navigating DOT/municipal ROW requirements, and coordinating with utilities and third-party stakeholders (including railroads where applicable) to keep schedules moving.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of permitting workflows for both linear infrastructure and point-site facilities, with the ability to identify requirements quickly, assess build feasibility, compile complete packages, and manage permit timelines across multiple AHJs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Identify and qualify prospective fiber routes and project locations through mapping tools, public records, and field reconnaissance, including parcel-level ownership research.
• Conduct detailed feasibility and constructability screening, evaluating ROW availability, access, restoration requirements, environmental constraints, and utility conflicts, including civil design considerations.
• Conduct jurisdictional research to determine permitting requirements for fiber routes and hut/cabinet sites, including forms, exhibits, fees, lead times, and review workflows.
• Develop permit strategies for route segments and hut/cabinet sites (including sequencing, dependencies, and risk items such as moratoriums or restricted corridors).
• Prepare, compile, and submit permit applications and supporting documentation (route exhibits, traffic control plans when required, site plans, engineering sheets, owner authorization letters, and utility/service exhibits).
• Coordinate and communicate with AHJs and stakeholders including Public Works, Engineering, Planning/Zoning, DOTs, railroads, utilities (power/pole owners), and other applicable authorities.
• Manage permit reviews: log comments, coordinate technical responses with engineers/design teams, and complete resubmittals through approval.
• Track all permit activity in project trackers (status, submittal dates, comments, resubmittals, approvals, conditions, expiration dates, and renewal needs).
• Support hut/cabinet permitting by researching and coordinating requirements related to setbacks, access, fencing, equipment pads, noise/visual considerations (as applicable), and utility service.
• Support special crossing packages/permits (railroad/highway/waterway) by assembling required exhibits, coordinating submittals, and tracking approvals.
• Maintain organized project files and ensure packages are complete, accurate, and client-ready (QA/QC before submittal).
• Provide clear reporting to project managers/clients on permitting progress, risks, and schedule impacts, with recommended mitigation options.
• Contribute to internal process improvement by maintaining reusable jurisdictional notes/templates, checklists, and standard permit package components for common agencies/portals.

Due to the nature and limited timelines of most projects, the selected individual should be willing and capable of exhibiting the work ethic and social ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment where communication with co-workers and strategic partners is paramount.

Computer Software Experience:

• Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel
• Adobe Acrobat
• ArcGIS Map Viewer
• Google Earth
• Local Jurisdiction GIS systems
• Local Jurisdiction Permitting Systems

Experience/Minimum Requirements:

• Experience in permitting and jurisdictional research for telecom/utility/linear infrastructure projects (fiber preferred), including utility identification.
• Proficient in route/site selection methodologies and evaluating candidate alignments against technical, financial, and regulatory criteria.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal land-use regulations and permitting processes, including ROW/encroachment requirements where applicable.
• Experience supporting point-site permitting (e.g., equipment pads, huts/cabinets, small facilities) in addition to route/ROW-related permits is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research AHJ requirements and assemble accurate permit packages with minimal supervision.
• Experience interpreting preliminary route exhibits, site plans, or construction drawings depicting civil development of fiber and/or related infrastructure.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills for coordinating with agencies, utilities, and internal engineering teams.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation habits (trackers, correspondence logs, submittal records, conditions/expiration tracking).
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent routes/sites and meet aggressive deadlines.

Culture:

Delta Oaks Group is founded on the principle of delivering unparalleled client service and providing its employees an exceptional work environment. We strongly believe that these two principles are not separable and are only accomplished through hard work, honesty, and treating others with respect. We are seeking individuals that share those same values.

Education Requirements:

Associate degree in urban planning, construction management, project management, or a related field. Applicants without a degree and with over 5 years of applicable experience will also be given consideration.

Travel Requirements:

Moderate travel, approximately 20%, will be required.