Utility Specialist, IKE

The Utility Specialist owns the power path for IKE deployments in an assigned region, from identifying a source during siting through energization. Power is the longest path in our process and the one that most often sets our finish date. Today it is carried by Project Managers alongside everything else.

The right person knows how utilities work, is persistent about moving applications forward, and builds the kind of relationships that get a call returned. They understand that power has to be sequenced against construction, not simply accelerated, and they know how to make sure make-ready is complete before the kiosk lands.

• Run the utility availability inquiry during siting, confirming the serving utility, likely source, and whether service is realistically available before a site is committed
• Flag sites where power presents a problem while it is still inexpensive to change course
• Prepare and submit utility applications and service agreements and drive them through utility review
• Drive make-ready design and construction so that utility work is complete before kiosk installation rather than after
• Coordinate meter set, inspection, and final energization with the utility, the Project Manager, and field crews
• Sequence utility work against the construction schedule so energization follows installation closely
• Serve as the primary IKE contact for each utility in assigned markets, meeting regularly rather than only when an issue arises
• Document each utility’s process, lead times, fee structure, escalation paths, and requirements
• Own the backlog of sites awaiting energization, working them as an active list and escalating anything aging
• Report weekly on applications submitted, make-ready status, energization forecast, and sites at risk
• Establish a repeatable utility workflow and the milestones needed to make the utility path measurable in Site Tracker
• Travel to assigned markets according to business needs for utility meetings and field coordination

• 3+ years coordinating electrical service or utility work for infrastructure, telecom, construction, or similar deployment programs
• Direct experience submitting utility applications and driving service requests through to energization
• Working knowledge of make-ready, service design, metering, and inspection sequencing
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain working relationships with utility staff
• Strong organization and follow-through, with a track record of not letting work sit
• Experience with Site Tracker, Salesforce, or a similar project tracking system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel according to business needs

• Experience with both investor-owned and municipal utilities
• Experience with small cell, fiber, digital signage, transit, or streetscape infrastructure
• Familiarity with electrical permitting and inspection processes
• Experience standing up a process rather than following one