Land Planner

Land Planner

The Land Planner is responsible for securing necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies to enable the construction of utility infrastructure that supports the capital construction plan. This role serves as a technical resource on land use and environmental permitting, contributes to company strategy and policy related to land use regulations, and provides guidance to internal departments on navigating regulatory requirements efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform land use and environmental permitting activities in support of capital improvement plans for utility infrastructure.
• Provide environmental and land use guidance to Planning and PMO teams for utility infrastructure projects and operational requirements, including route selection recommendations, permit timelines, and cost estimates.
• Research existing land use codes and negotiate exemptions or approvals for land use permits required for utility system improvements and new customer projects.
• Collaborate with municipal liaison and government affairs teams to develop strategies for project approvals based on knowledge of political and operational processes within jurisdictional structures such as councils, mayors, and planning departments.
• Proactively manage utility-related land use issues with local jurisdictions to minimize or eliminate impacts on utility operations and service delivery.
• Prepare written comments for federal, state, and local government entities and provide oral testimony at hearings and council meetings when needed.
• Offer strategic support on regulatory issues related to Comprehensive Plan updates, Shoreline Regulation updates, and critical areas ordinances as they pertain to utility infrastructure construction and operations.
• Participate in emergency response efforts as required to support utility operations and regulatory compliance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support land use, environmental permitting, and utility infrastructure initiatives.

Essential Skills

• BA or BS degree in Urban Planning, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Approximately 6 months to 1.5 years of experience in land use and environmental permitting for utility infrastructure or similar linear projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory procedures and processes at local, state, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of public planning processes and procedures, including comprehensive planning and land use regulation updates.
• Understanding of municipal political processes and organizational structures, such as councils, mayors, and planning departments.
• Ability to read and interpret utility infrastructure construction plans accurately.
• Strong conflict management and resolution skills in a regulatory and stakeholder environment.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use standard office software and tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and follow through on permitting and regulatory tasks with minimal supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with land planning and environmental permitting for linear utility projects.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting requirements for utility infrastructure.
• Background in permitting for utility infrastructure improvements and new customer projects.
• Ability to develop permit timeline and cost estimates to support project planning.
• Skill in negotiating land use permit exemptions and approvals with regulatory agencies.
• Experience providing written comments and oral testimony to government entities at federal, state, and local levels.
• Capacity to collaborate effectively with municipal liaison and government affairs teams on project approval strategies.
• Interest in supporting critical engineering and sciences initiatives that improve how utilities serve communities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders in regulatory and planning contexts.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment that is closely connected to field operations, with construction crews regularly coming and going. The position supports utility infrastructure projects and involves…