Permit Coordinator

Organization: Mercury Fiber is a leading provider of high-speed Internet and digital phone services. The Company was founded in Topeka, KS, after recognizing a need for Broadband Internet access in rural America. A hybrid approach to serving these "last-mile" customers was developed by extending high-capacity fiberoptic networks with the range, reliability, and flexibility of carrier-class wireless technologies. Today Mercury Fiber’s rapidly expanding network is headquartered in Kansas City and provides Internet access to communities throughout five states across the Midwest.

Position Summary: The Permit Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the permitting process, from the initial application to final approval. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication across internal teams and external regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, track permit statuses, and proactively address challenges to keep projects on schedule.

Location: Mission, KS, Lapear MI, Newwaygo MI, Schoolcraft MI, Ft. Wayne IN, or Mt. Vernon OH

Position Type: Full-time (Remote/Hybrid)

Compensation: Competitive pay

Benefits: Health and dental insurance, 401k, paid time off, paid training

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit permit applications for construction or other relevant projects.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of applications, and coordinate with internal teams and external agencies to gather necessary documentation.
• Track the status of submitted permits, following up as needed to resolve issues or delays.
• Submit permit packages via online systems, fax, or in-person, adhering to jurisdictional requirements.
• Stay informed on local, state, and federal permitting regulations and ensure compliance with all relevant codes and policies.
• Review project plans and documentation to ensure all compliance aspects are addressed and met.
• Schedule and coordinate necessary inspections with regulatory bodies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between project managers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate internally with project teams to align permit acquisition timelines with overall project goals.
• Provide regular updates on permit progress and potential delays.
• Maintain organized records of all permit applications, approvals, and related documentation.
• Generate regular reports on the status of permits for management review.
• Prepare and maintain project folders, tracking all stages of the permitting process.
• Address and resolve any issues or discrepancies related to permits.
• Proactively identify potential challenges in the permitting process and provide solutions to avoid project delays.
• Assist with resubmissions, follow-ups, and additional documentation as required.

Skills & Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required. A college degree is preferred but not mandatory.
• Relevant experience in permitting, construction, or project management may be considered in place of formal education.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in permit coordination or related roles.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal permitting processes is highly preferred.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and other project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, AutoCAD, Adobe products).
• Experience using Construction Management Software such as Site Tracker or Vitruvi.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable handling multiple permits at different stages of progress.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting Right-of-Way (ROW), pole attachment, or Department of Transportation (DOT) permitting applications.
• Exposure to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, KMZ files, or reviewing engineering prints.
• Previous work experience with permitting authorities or utility companies is a plus.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new software or systems for permit tracking and management.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work in an office environment.
• Occasional travel to agencies, customer premises, or locations to pick up permits.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Some after-hours or weekend work may be required depending on project timelines.