Permit and Utility Coordinator

Metra•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Metra, one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, is seeking a Permit and Utility Coordinator for its Capital Delivery Department. This department oversees the design, construction, and administration of capital projects, including stations, parking, and various infrastructure elements. The Permit and Utility Coordinator will report to the Director Capital Delivery Construction and will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all permitting and underground utility coordination activities for capital construction projects. The role aims to minimize construction schedule risks by managing the permit approval process, identifying utility conflicts, and facilitating inter-agency coordination, ensuring projects meet permitting requirements and navigate complex regulatory processes in Chicago and surrounding communities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field OR any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in permitting and utility coordination or project administration.
Minimum of four (4) years of engineering, architectural, or permitting and utility coordination experience, preferably in the railroad industry.
Working knowledge of project and construction management practices.
Working knowledge of municipal permitting processes of a large municipality such as Chicago, including departments overseeing buildings, underground coordination, and water management.
Knowledge of underground utility coordination practices, including utility conflict identification, relocation techniques, and right-of-way permitting practices.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Power BI).
Strong written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills to negotiate and coordinate effectively with regulatory agencies, consultants, and project teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to pre-construction permitting and utility coordination.
Strong organizational and documentation skills to manage multiple permit approval processes simultaneously.
Ability to manage complex permitting processes involving multiple public agencies.
Ability to supervise staff and coordinate the work of consultants and contractors.
Ability to develop and document processes and procedures and provide training to improve organizational permitting and utility coordination processes.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and oversee all permitting and underground utility coordination activities for capital construction projects.
Minimize construction schedule risks by managing the permit approval process, identifying utility conflicts, and facilitating inter-agency coordination.
Ensure projects meet permitting requirements and efficiently navigate the complex regulatory processes of the city of Chicago and surrounding communities.
Act as liaison between utility companies, design teams, and staff, providing guidance throughout the permitting and utility coordination process.
Organize and combine resources to support capital construction goals.
Monitor third-party consultant contracts to support early permitting, coordinate their work, assess performance, and track deliverables.
Oversee permitting and utility coordination activities, review applications for accuracy and completeness, and perform quality assurance checks.
Monitor permit progress, ensure timely submissions, and escalate issues as needed.
Standardize permitting and utility coordination workflows, create and maintain tracking systems, and identify process inefficiencies.
Implement operational improvements and establish best practices to prevent construction schedule conflicts.
Review procurement documents to ensure permitting and utility requirements are integrated into design and construction contracts.
Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training (not a supervisor).
Promote safe work practices and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned.