Manager Permit Coordination

Lightpath is building the fiber infrastructure the digital economy depends on—owning, operating, and expanding dense, high-performance networks for enterprises, public institutions, carriers, and cloud innovators. Our all-fiber network supports mission-critical environments, from financial markets and healthcare systems to AI platforms and next-generation cloud architectures. As we expand across the Northeast and into high-growth markets nationwide, we invest ahead of demand—building infrastructure with precision, resilience, and accountability.

About the role

Lightpath is seeking a Manager, Permit Coordination who will lead and manage all permitting activities associated with supporting the construction of a fiber network in the Arizona market. The candidate will work with Engineering Vendors and Lightpath project teams who are physically designing the network and submitting the designs to municipalities for permits. This role oversees the end-to-end permitting process, ensuring timely acquisition of permits, regulatory compliance, and coordination with municipalities, utility owners, transportation agencies, engineering teams, and construction contractors. The Manager, Permit Coordination serves as the primary point of contact for all permit-related matters and is responsible for minimizing project delays while supporting successful fiber infrastructure deployment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all permit applications, approvals, and closeout activities for construction projects.
• Develop and execute permitting strategies to support construction schedules and project milestones.
• Coordinate permit submissions with local municipalities, counties, state agencies, transportation departments, and utility authorities.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing underground utility construction.
• Track permit statuses, approval timelines, and permit conditions to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Review permit requirements and identify potential risks, restrictions, or conflicts that may impact construction activities.
• Maintain accurate permitting records, documentation, and reporting systems.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and provide permitting status updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop permit acquisition schedules aligned with overall project timelines.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for permit-related issues.
• Attend agency meetings, public hearings, and project coordination meetings as required.
• Develop and maintain permitting dashboards, tracking tools, and status reports.
• Monitor permit cycle times and identify opportunities to improve permitting efficiency.
• Create and implement standardized permitting processes and best practices across multiple jurisdictions.
• Support forecasting of permitting risks and provide mitigation plans to project leadership.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements

• College degree and/or equivalent 5+ years experience in a similar field.
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn new things, and ability to work as a team player.
• Strong understanding of ROW permitting processes for underground utility and fiber optic construction.
• Experience working with municipal, county, state, and transportation agencies.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with permitting databases, project tracking tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a drug test.
• Ability to work collaboratively on all responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting large-scale dark fiber, broadband, telecommunications, or utility infrastructure deployments.
• Familiarity with GIS platforms, AutoCAD, and OSP design documentation.
• Knowledge of utility locating, potholing, trenching, directional drilling, and underground construction methodologies.
• Experience managing permitting activities across multiple jurisdictions and states.
• Industry certifications related to telecommunications, construction management, or project management are a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Requires sitting, hearing, and talking; occasional standing and walking; and infrequent bending at the waist, twisting of the upper body, kneeling, walking on uneven surfaces, squeezing, and crouching.
• Close detail work requiring visual acuity.