Permit Coordinator

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

A Permit Coordinator at HBK Engineering is a position that serves as the primary point of contact for all permit-related inquiries while taking on increased responsibilities for challenging permitting projects with limited supervision. This advanced role builds upon the Associate Permit Coordinator responsibilities by adding training duties for others and enhanced documentation responsibilities. The position requires maintaining comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing permits while working independently on complex permitting projects and providing guidance to junior staff.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all permit-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing permits
• Research and prepare permit applications for submission to appropriate regulatory agencies
• Track and monitor the status of permit applications through approval and construction processes
• Prepare comprehensive reports on permit activity as requested by management and clients
• Coordinate with other departments within the organization to ensure compliance with permit requirements
• Keep abreast of changes in permit regulations and advise management of potential impacts
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to permitting
• Serve as liaison between the organization and regulatory permitting agencies
• Maintain accurate records of permit activity for compliance and reporting purposes
• Respond to client inquiries regarding permit status with professional communication
• Take on additional documentation responsibilities with enhanced complexity and detail
• Train others in permit coordination procedures and regulatory compliance
• Work on more challenging permitting projects with limited supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned to support advanced permitting operations
• Provide guidance and support to junior permit coordination staff
• Lead complex permit application processes and regulatory interactions.

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma and equivalent experience
• 2+ years of proven experience in administrative support and/or customer service
• Previous ROW permitting experience is a plus
• Utility-adjacent experience or knowledge is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Strong time-management and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Solid interpersonal skills for professional stakeholder interactions
• Proactive approach with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to work for prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.

What You'll Get

• Advanced permit coordination role with increased responsibility for challenging projects
• Professional development in complex regulatory compliance and advanced permit procedures
• Training and mentorship opportunities with junior permit coordination staff
• Leadership experience working independently on challenging permitting projects with limited supervision
• Enhanced documentation responsibilities with increased complexity and detail
• Advanced client interface responsibilities for professional communication regarding complex permit matters
• Experience with advanced inter-departmental coordination and compliance management
• Opportunity to develop expertise in regulatory liaison and complex permitting procedures
• Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Permit Track
• Administrative and organizational leadership skills development in a regulatory environment
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Advanced preparation for senior permit coordination and regulatory compliance leadership roles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.