Joint Use & Permitting Specialist

***THIS IS A REMOTE POSITION, HOWEVER THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE LOCATED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, ILLINOIS, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MARYLAND, MISSOURI, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO,  SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, OR TEXAS.Position Summary

Position Summary

The Joint Use & Permitting Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end joint use and permitting process supporting fiber network construction projects. This position coordinates pole attachment applications, right-of-way permits, railroad crossings, state and local permits, and regulatory approvals while serving as the primary liaison between engineering, construction, municipalities, utilities, and outside agencies.

Success in this role requires exceptional organization, strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple permitting activities simultaneously while ensuring projects remain on schedule.

What You'll Do

Joint Use & Pole Attachments

• Coordinate with Engineering to determine pole ownership and required joint use submissions.
• Prepare and submit pole attachment applications.
• Track application status through approval.
• Coordinate make-ready activities and third-party attachment requests.
• Maintain relationships with utility companies and pole owners.

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead permitting efforts for assigned fiber construction projects.
• Prepare, submit, and manage permit applications including:

o Right-of-Way (ROW)

o State DOT

o County

o Municipal

o Railroad Crossing

o Utility

• Research jurisdiction-specific permitting requirements.
• Monitor permit expiration dates and renewals.
• Coordinate permit fees and required documentation.
• Stay current on changing local, state, and federal regulations.

Project Coordination

• Partner closely with Design, Engineering, Construction, and Project Management teams.
• Track permit status and provide routine project updates.
• Maintain permit trackers and project documentation.
• Coordinate project schedules to meet construction timelines.
• Manage outside permitting vendors when applicable.
• Recommend process improvements that increase permitting efficiency.

Technical Responsibilities

• Interpret fiber construction drawings and utility maps.
• Read digital mapping and fiber design documentation.
• Update project information within permitting databases and tracking systems.
• Perform drafting updates in Vetro FiberMap, GIS, AutoCAD, or similar mapping software (preferred).

What You'll Bring

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Professional relationship-building skills with municipalities, utility companies, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to explain technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience maintaining databases and permit tracking systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2–5+ years of telecommunications, utility, engineering, or permitting experience. 

Experience with:

• Pole Attachment Applications
• ROW Permitting
• Railroad Crossing Permits
• State DOT Permits
• Municipal Permitting

• Knowledge of OSP fiber construction.

Experience with:

• Vetro FiberMap
• AutoCAD
• QGIS/GIS software
• Quickbase (preferred)

Working Conditions

· Remote position.

· Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer.

· Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Benefits:

Clearwave Fiber appreciates the role our associates play to help the company grow, and in return an excellent benefits package is offered to our associates to recognize the importance of their contributions, such as:

• Lucrative bonus plan
• Medical, dental, and vision plans – start when you start!
• Life insurance (self, spouse, children)
• Paid time off
• 401(k) - 100% company match (vesting and matching starts upon hire, up to 4% of eligible compensation)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Employee Referral Plan

Additional Perks

• Free services if living within service area
• Tuition reimbursement - Clearwave encourages staff members to pursue ongoing education and gain industry certifications
• Advancement opportunities
• Collaborative work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer