Project Specialist, Permitting

Ezee Fiber•Troy, MI

About The Position

The Project Specialist, Permitting, is a professional-level role responsible for independently managing permitting strategy and project coordination activities that directly affect fiber network deployment. The position uses discretion and independent judgment to evaluate permitting requirements, resolve jurisdictional challenges, prioritize project timelines, and determine appropriate escalation paths. It owns permit-related activities from end to end and coordinates with engineering, construction, vendors, and external agencies to keep projects progressing. The role oversees vendor deliverables and accountability, tracks permit status and project commitments, and maintains accurate permit logs, dashboards, and tracking systems. It analyzes permitting data to identify trends and risks, produces status reporting, and uses systems such as 3GIS, Smartsheet, and ArcGIS/ESRI. The Project Specialist also identifies workflow inefficiencies and drives improvements to processes, systems, and reporting to support efficient, scalable operations. The position requires an associate degree or higher in Engineering, Telecommunications, Construction Management, or a related field as a preferred qualification, along with 3–5 years of progressive experience in OSP permitting, telecom engineering coordination, or infrastructure project management. A valid driver's license is required. Minimal domestic travel of up to 5% may be required. The role involves daily data analysis and communication, extended periods in a stationary position, frequent computer and office-system use, and occasional movement around the office and attendance at events or meetings.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in OSP permitting, telecom engineering coordination, or infrastructure project management.
Strong understanding of telecom/FTTH design, permitting processes, and regulatory environments.
Ability to interpret technical documents, site plans, and jurisdictional requirements.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions without direct supervision.
Ability to evaluate multiple variables and determine an appropriate course of action aligned with business objectives.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on root cause and resolution.
Ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment and influence outcomes across teams.
Ability to prioritize permitting strategy across multiple projects based on business needs.
Ability to operate with minimal supervision and independently determine priorities and execution strategies.
Valid driver's license.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in Engineering, Telecommunications, Construction Management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Own the permitting lifecycle and maintain accountability for permit-related activities and progress.
Identify permitting risks and develop action plans to prevent project delays.
Coordinate with engineering, construction, and external agencies to resolve barriers to execution.
Maintain end-to-end visibility and complete tracking, communication, and follow-up across active permits.
Oversee vendors to ensure deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and contractual expectations.
Set and enforce expectations, deadlines, and accountability measures for vendors and stakeholders.
Track open items and drive them to completion; address time-sensitive requirements proactively.
Monitor permitting progress, escalate issues appropriately, and hold vendors and partners accountable.
Maintain accurate permit logs, dashboards, and tracking systems.
Analyze permitting data for trends, risks, and performance gaps affecting project timelines.
Generate reporting that clearly communicates permitting status, risks, and progress.
Use 3GIS, Smartsheet, and ArcGIS/ESRI for tracking and reporting.
Identify workflow inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and recurring execution issues.
Drive process improvements to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve efficiency.
Recommend and implement enhancements to workflows, systems, and reporting tools.
Contribute to scalable, standardized permitting processes.