Permits Planner - Oahu

hawaiianel • Honolulu, HI

1d • $89,100 - $113,700

About The Position

Serves as the Company’s expert on land use permits and approvals. Obtains governmental permits and approvals for T&D and generation capital projects on a timely basis by ensuring all application requirements are met and by fostering and maintaining positive relationships with governmental agencies. Manages all incoming requests and proposed permitting/policy changes by government agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited school in relevant field (e.g. engineering, environmental science, urban planning).
• Thorough knowledge of government permit and approval requirements preferred.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State and City laws, ordinances, statutes, regulations and procedures related to permits and approvals.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications such as: Excel spreadsheets, MS Word, MIMS, etc.
• Willing to learn and apply LEAN continuous improvement principles and best practices to achieve operational excellence.
• Willing to learn and apply SafeStart principles and best practices to achieve a safe workplace environment
• Ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues while using tact, courtesy and discretion.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to influence, motivate, and persuade various groups or individuals.
• Supervisory/leadership skills and abilities to work with a variety of individuals occasionally dealing with sensitive, difficult or confrontational issue.
• In-depth analytical and computational skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Ability to conceptualize new ideas quickly.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for frequent or required driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Required Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.
• Several (5-7) years experience dealing with governmental permits and approvals and the associated laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, or engineering and land use policies is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Registration in Hawaii as a Professional Engineer or certified as a Planner by a nationally recognized professional society such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), desired.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice/guidance/recommendations to project personnel in government permit/approval requirements and lead times and use of policies involving cost sharing of government-related projects.
• Fosters and maintains positive working relationships with federal, state and county agencies and their employees tasked with processing permit/approval applications. Expedites approval process. Ensures that HECO processes government requests in a timely manner.
• Administers policies, procedures and requirements to obtain governmental permits and approvals. Serves on task forces and committees with State and County government agencies and other utilities. Works with government agencies on proposed changes to existing statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, engineering and land use policies, sustainable community and development plans affecting permits and approvals. Manages internal review of proposed changes, prepares HECO’s position and negotiates with government agencies.
• Reviews and monitors proposed Hawaii State Legislature and Honolulu City Council bills and ordinances related to land use permits and approvals and other issues. Drafts written testimony and testifies on behalf of HECO, HELCO, and MECO as needed.
• Reviews permit/approval applications, use and occupancy and utility agreements (submittals, documents, drawings, and application forms shall be prepared by project personnel), makes necessary changes, and submits to the appropriate governmental agency. Tracks the progress of each application, communicates and negotiates with government agencies, and provides regular status reports to project personnel.
• Works with outside consultants hired to supplement and/or support the work of the section.
• Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees