Permitting Manager Utility Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Permitting Manager is responsible for the research, outreach, coordination, drafting, submission, and representing the company for city, county, state and/or utility crossing permits and rezoning required for the construction of electric and gas transmission, generation, energy storage, communication, substation, facilities, and electric and gas distribution projects for the company. This position will be representing the company in regulatory, municipal and county public hearings as well as meetings called by persons interested in the permitting process. This position maintains key public and stakeholder relationships as well as coordinates with other departments in the completion of project permitting tasks. The position will track city, county, and state regulations as it relates to company projects and engage government officials to allow for the successful completion of projects.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Bachelor's degree in business, real estate, land use planning, engineering or related field or equivalent work experience (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree).

Assoc Permitting Manager: 

Four years of experience or training and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: zoning, city and county ordinances, right of way, real estate law, and state regulatory requirements required.

Permitting Manager: 

Six years of experience or training and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: zoning, city and county ordinances, right of way, real estate law, and state regulatory requirements required for the permitting manager.

Sr Permitting Manager: 

Eight years of experience or training and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: zoning, city and county ordinances, right of way, real estate law, and state regulatory requirements required for the senior permitting manager.

Must possess or have the ability to acquire comprehensive knowledge of electric and gas transmission, generation, energy storage, communication, facilities, substation, and electric and gas distribution facilities design and construction.

Knowledge of city, county and/or state zoning and regulatory requirements and ordinances.
Ability to plan, coordinate and facilitate public meetings and open forums designed to solicit and obtain community support for company facilities.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and networks with elected and appointed governmental officials, landowners and other project stakeholders.

Demonstrated an exceptional and effective ability to address large or small diverse groups in adversarial situations and produce a positive outcome for the company.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, persuasion skills and presentation skills are required.  

Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.  

Effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.  

Ability to prioritize and successfully handle multiple issues, tasks, and projects concurrently.  

Ability to travel during and outside of normal business hours (typically 25% travel).

Responsible for initiating, drafting and completing the permitting process for acquiring city, county, state, and/or utility crossing permits for electric and gas transmission, generation, energy storage, communication, substation, facilities, and electric and gas distribution projects to achieve the company's mission.

Oversee the entire permitting process for multiple projects, including tracking timelines, managing documentation, and ensuring timely approvals and compliance with laws, codes, tariffs, and ordinances.

Engage with other company personnel, contractors, and consultants, to fully understand project needs, issues, and stakeholders.

Provide the highest levels of support to various departments within the company regarding all aspects of public outreach with government officials needed to successfully complete projects.  

Research and develop permitting databases of requirements and past permit applications and decisions, to allow for the efficient identification of permitting requirements to support city, county, and/or state permitting and regulatory proceedings for projects. Develop and implement internal policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance. Track permit timelines and provide regular reports to management and project teams on progress and potential issues.

Represent the company during required permitting and regulatory proceedings, presenting project information and coordinating responses amongst the project team.

Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with city, county and/or state elected and appointed officials concerning the permitting process.
Responsible for developing inter-company relationships to facilitate serving as departmental liaison with government officials for all projects requiring governmental approval.

Accountable for being knowledgeable of, sensitive to, and responsive to, local political issues, preferences and constraints as they relate to planning and permitting of company facilities.

Interpret regulations, identify potential issues, and develop creative solutions to address permitting challenges and delays.