Job Description

Position Title: Tower Permitting Specialist

Location: Hybrid – Offices in Houston, TX; Canonsburg, PA; or Downers Grove, IL

Schedule:

• Hybrid: Tuesday–Thursday in-office, optional WFH Monday and Friday
• Time Zone: EST or CST hours acceptable
• Travel: <5%, local only (mileage reimbursed for jurisdictional travel)

Pre-Screening Questions – REQUIRED at the Top of Resume:

Please include the responses to the following questions at the top of the resume. Resumes without answers to these questions will be rejected .

1. What about this role interests you?
2. In what areas are you most knowledgeable as it relates to this role?
3. Discuss how you'd review construction design and site plans and how you would communicate the scope of work to the jurisdiction.
4. What are some qualities that make a permitting specialist successful?
5. Describe your familiarity with Eligible Facilities Requests and Section 6409.

Top Skills Needed:

• Direct hands-on permitting experience (front-end, not vendor management)
• Experience in application submission (not just closing permits)
• Zoning and permitting knowledge – telecommunications/tower experience is a plus
• Understanding of Section 6409 and Eligible Facilities Requests (EFR) timelines
• Strong collaboration , communication , and ability to manage competing priorities
• Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive

Position Summary:

The Tower Permitting Specialist is responsible for the preparation and submittal of various entitlement applications, permits, and agreements to support the installation of communications facilities on infrastructure, including poles, towers, fiber, and ground equipment. This role requires strong knowledge of municipal processes, zoning codes, and regulatory ordinances, as well as frequent interaction with local jurisdictions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepare and submit zoning and permitting applications.
• Track municipal application progress and respond to jurisdictional requests for additional info.
• Collaborate with design team to facilitate permit drawings and construction documents.
• Evaluate jurisdictional redlines, negotiate requirements vs. preferences, and update A&E deliverables accordingly.
• Maintain timely system updates and clear internal/external communication.
• Manage zoning/permitting tasks and documentation uploads per defined processes and metrics.
• Act as the entitlement lead in weekly customer meetings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on state/local telecom codes and Section 6409.
• Draft and deliver 30-day and 60-day shot clock letters to jurisdictions.
• Communicate permitting conditions of approval to internal teams.
• Coordinate with SAQ vendors and manage fee payments, ensuring cost allocation and visibility.
• Participate in pre-project planning and customer meetings.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipalities and community stakeholders.
• Represent Crown Castle at zoning hearings and municipal meetings.
• Collaborate with Legal to resolve complex permitting/zoning issues.
• Conduct research and provide internal guidance on jurisdictional permitting requirements.
• Evaluate project-level risk and propose mitigation strategies.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field or equivalent experience
• Zoning and permitting experience required
• Wireless industry experience preferred

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 2+ years in a Planning, Zoning, Land Use , or Wireless Industry role
• Experience navigating corporate environments and team collaboration
• Working knowledge of Section 6409 and EFR timelines is required

Additional Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of planning/zoning codes and development regulations
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills (for government/public forums)
• Familiarity with zoning application requirements and hearing presentations
• Ability to read and understand construction documents, plans, and surveys
• Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and contract comprehension skills
• Familiarity with title documentation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication
• High attention to detail

Travel:

• Local travel to government offices and municipalities may be required
• Mileage reimbursement provided

Working Conditions:

• Standard office environment (~95% of the time)
• Occasional travel for in-person jurisdictional matters

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