Project Manager - Utility Relocation

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Utility Relocation Project Manager will be responsible for various processes that support utility relocation and coordination policy and execution, including contract execution and administration, all in compliance with Company policy and specifications, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of utility coordination and permitting, excellent organizational and written and oral communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The role will interface with GDOT and local departments of transportation to resolve permitting issues related to Company work activities and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent application of the Company’s franchise agreements as they relate to installation of Company facilities. The incumbent will develop subject matter expertise regarding GDOT’s Utility Accommodation Manual (UAM) and compensable property interest determinations, and will prepare and help administer project agreements and other documentation. The successful candidate must be able to build positive relationships and educate and support a variety of teammates and stakeholders, including within Power Delivery, Legal Services, Land, and External Affairs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in utility operations is required
• Experience in customer support
• Experience leading team efforts and resolving conflict with both internal and external parties
• Experience leading projects involving multiple work groups and departments
• Experience cultivating a team environment for project success
• Ability to meet and maintain high standards for safety and work quality
• Strong negotiation and issue identification and resolution abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and work effectively and efficiently within project timelines
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to evaluate progress, identify problem areas, evaluate alternatives and determine viable solutions
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, and comfortable interacting with all levels of internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and succinct manner
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and ability to spot errors and inconsistencies in data and documentation
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, with ability to make timely and effective decisions, and successfully implement policies and procedures
• Ability to quickly analyze and comprehend technical information and complex data, identify key issues, and recommend appropriate solutions
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to build teamwork and trust
• Ability to motivate and influence others, build consensus, and achieve results through effective use of persuasive communication
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Must have valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is strongly preferred or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5 years experience in utility operations is preferred
• Contract preparation and/or administration experience is preferred
• Experience with utility permitting is preferred
• Suitable experience reading and interpreting easements, deeds and other real property records is preferred; specific experience dealing with utility land rights is preferred
• Familiarity with the Utility Accommodation Manual is preferred
• Experience utilizing JETS, TEAMS, GRITS and/or P6/Primavera is preferred
• Leadership experience in an external arena and/or Company position is a plus
• Experience in contract administration and/or managing contractors is a plus
• Familiarity with project management principles and techniques is preferred
• Solid understanding of electric utility operations, or the ability to quickly and successfully gain such knowledge, including applicable practical and regulatory specifics
• Knowledge of OCGA § 32-6-171 and the Utility Accommodation Manual, or the ability to quickly and successfully gain such knowledge
• Knowledge of state and local permitting requirements and processes is preferred
• Understanding of right-of-way and real estate principles, practices, and laws, both in general and as applicable to the State of Georgia, as well as negotiating principles, theories and concepts
• Ability to understand, analyze, and interpret regulatory orders, agreements, and contractual language
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and correlate maps and legal documents, including interpretation of deeds, easements, maps, plats, survey notes, legal descriptions, plans, profiles, centerline surveys, tax maps, transmission line grid maps, and metes and bounds descriptions is critical
• Ability to read and comprehend real property title documentation
• Ability to review and interpret engineering plans/permits, civil drawings, design standards, construction plans and specifications, and as-built maps and drawings
• Knowledge of systems for records research such as LIMS, county clerk databases, GSCCCA, business entity searches, tax assessor sites and mapping systems

Responsibilities

• Ensure Company compliance with OCGA § 32-6-171
• Coordinate with internal and external groups to resolve permitting issues and ensure consistent application of Company’s franchise agreements with cities
• Develop subject matter expertise regarding applicability of permits and ordinances to Company and the High Voltage Safety Act as it applies to Distribution facilities
• Support team in coordinating activities and support for multiple DOT projects throughout the state, including working with GDOT and contractors to develop workable project solutions, Memoranda of Understanding, Utility Adjustment Schedules, and to resolve escalations
• Support team in defining and implementing Company policy and procedures related to utility relocation and reimbursement
• Review and analyze property deeds, easements, maps and other property records and drawings to determine Company’s property interests and appropriate treatment under Georgia law and/or the UAM; identify and resolve any issues related to determining Company’s compensable property interests and reimbursement
• Work with Legal to investigate and interpret property rights and develop and implement strategies to resolve rights and/or reimbursement conflicts
• Identify needed tasks, milestones, and resource requirements for projects, balancing cost constraints, schedules, environmental and regulatory requirements, and community impacts with electrical system requirements in order to meet established project need dates
• Provide regular status updates for projects and proactively communicate potential issues and/or roadblocks
• Prepare and route correspondence, agreements and other documentation, and ensure final documentation and designs are in accordance with Company policies and procedures; maintain agreement files
• Support team in administering contracts, project agreements and scope changes to ensure terms are met and payment is received, including Buy America Certification, E-Verify, and Notices of Intent
• Build and maintain relationships with staff of GDOT and County and City Departments of Transportation; represent Company’s interests in interactions with community leadership and customers, and with local governments regarding permits and work coordination
• Support team in training and transferring knowledge both internally and externally, including management and documentation of processes
• Participate in SOCO and industry groups as needed to enhance practices and share industry knowledge
• Lead special projects as assigned
• Participate in SERP activities as needed, which may include after hours and weekends

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• Health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• Additional compensation, such as an incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree