Specialist, Site Acquisition

Join Commnet, a pioneering force that has been the backbone of rural networks in the United States for decades. At Commnet we prioritize enabling and delivering high-quality broadband communication services that enable Tribal and Rural America to thrive. At the heart of our mission lies a passion for digital inclusion and life transformation, offering more than connectivity – we are dedicated to fostering equality of opportunity through access to essential services. Our culture is built on a foundation of trust and ownership, where our passion for our customers and communities shines through our customer-centric approach. With open and effective communication, we champion a “win together” mindset, celebrating every victory as a step towards a connected and empowered rural America.

Job Profile Summary

Perform Site Acquisition, Lease Negotiation and Execution, Zoning/Permitting for new greenfield or rawland site builds, collocations and modifications, with a high level of skill that results in entitlement completion by project target completion dates. Interacts with and supports other departments such as Construction, RF Engineering, Transport Engineering, Regulatory Compliance, Field Operations, Project Management, Business Development and Leadership to achieve organizational goals and network deployments.

Duties and Responsibilities (included but not limited to):

• Research subject properties for viability and identify suitable site candidates that fulfill coverage objectives for a project (new site build or colocation sites); prepare Site Candidate Information Packages (SCIP) and submit to internal site development teams for review
• Confirm legal access to the site and identify all other conditions, restrictions or other matters that may impact the suitability of a potential site
• Coordinate site visits with construction managers, transport engineers, land/tower owners, and other necessary vendors
• Prepare and submit colocation applications to site owners
• Negotiate site leases and amendments with site owners and/or property owners
• Obtain NTP or project deliverables such as title commitments, surveys, construction or zoning drawings, site plans, tower elevations, structural analysis or PE letters
• Review project and NTP deliverables such as surveys, constructions drawings, and lease exhibits for accuracy and completeness
• Research local jurisdiction specific zoning and permitting regulations
• Prepare and submit zoning applications in order to obtain local jurisdiction approvals and permits including Special Use, Conditional Use, Variance Permits, and SF299 applications
• Coordinate and attend pre-application and Zoning meetings with Planning and Zoning jurisdictions, and public and/or community hearings in order to obtain approval of the project
• Obtain property owner signatures and approvals for any required permitting (ex: private properties, Government entities, Tribes, and tower companies)
• Coordinate and attend pre-application and Zoning meetings with Planning and Zoning jurisdictions, and public and/or community hearings in order to obtain approval of the project
• Support other departments by providing any site or project relevant information and assisting with the completion of key project deliverables (including contacts, coordinating or chairing meetings, and acting as a liaison between vendors and departments)
• Assist Regulatory Manager with any environmental, cultural or archeological requirements (ex: NEPA, SHPO, Phase 1, Geotechnical Report) when applicable
• Assist with account reconciliations, audits, and invoice verifications as needed
• Assist department with maintaining lease record and payment data across relevant systems (Zoho One and Lucernex) as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum Years Experience: 4 - 6 Yrs.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Embody and demonstrate our company values: Foster Trust, Effective Communication, Customer Centricity, Own It, Win Together.
• 3 years telecommunications experience performing sit acquisition and zoning.
• Capacity to travel at least 20% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of real estate principles, rules, regulations, and contracts pertaining to the acquisition of Right-of-Ways, licenses, permits, and other land rights.
• Experience with Lucernex, Zoho One or an equivalent site and lease management software.
• Skilled using GPS based mapping software (MapInfo, Google Earth, USFS TOPO, FCCInfo).
• Advanced in Microsoft Office tools.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts.
• Ability to work effectively independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to react and solve complex problems with a sense of urgency and understanding of the issue.
• Ability to work on multiple projects/initiatives simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation is determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
• Benefits: Commnet is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to all regular full-time positions (hourly & salaried) to promote overall health, wellness, and financial security for you and your family. Benefits include health, vision, dental, HSA/FSA, life and AD&D, fitness reimbursement, short/long term disability coverage, parental leave, emergency travel assistance and 401k.
• Commnet employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which includes services such as 100% confidential counseling, financial information/resources, legal support, and general wellness.

A Note to Agencies All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Commnet Broadband (the Company) via email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of the Company, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by the Company for this position and a valid agreement with the Company is in place. In the event a candidate submitted outside of the Company agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.

ATN and its subsidiary companies are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa.

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