JOINT USE PROJECT MANAGER

 

Job Summary:   

 

The Joint Use Project Manager serves as the subject matter expert for all aspects of joint use, common use and pole attachment regulations and issues, as well as the National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS) and coordination of oversized load moves. The position is responsible for the acquisition, administration, and management of joint use, common use and pole attachment agreements with communication companies, governmental entities, and other third-party attachers. The role serves as a subject matter expert on joint use and pole attachment policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Company policy and specifications, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The position requires a detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of contract management and compliance, excellent organizational and written and oral communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The role involves coordination and monitoring of joint use attachments, contract administration, support of billing and collection, and the development and implementation of strategies and objectives to support consistent application of policies and procedures. The position works closely with various departments, including within Power Delivery, Legal Services, AFT, and Utility Relations, and has extensive interaction with external stakeholders.

 

Job Requirements:   

 

Education:

 

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Law, or related field is preferred.

 

Experience:

 

Minimum of 5 years of experience in utility operations, joint use, and/or pole attachment management is preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract management is preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training in electric utility engineering and/or construction (including ability to read, understand and analyze basic engineering drawings, design cost estimates, and construction specifications) is preferred. Experience reading and interpreting contracts is required. Experience working with applications such as JETS, JUMS, CSS, NJUNS and DistView is preferred. Experience in Distribution field engineering is a plus.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Basic knowledge of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) provisions, with ability to quickly and successfully gain in-depth knowledge regarding ground clearance, utility spacing, and other applicable provisions. In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations regarding utility poles and attachments, or the ability to quickly and successfully gain such knowledge. Ability to understand and interpret regulatory orders, agreements, and contractual language. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and work effectively and efficiently within project timelines. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and issue resolution abilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with various stakeholders, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and succinct manner. Self-motivated, self-directed and proactive, with ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and the ability to spot errors and inconsistencies in data and documentation. Ability to make timely and effective decisions, and successfully implement policies and procedures. Ability to quickly analyze and comprehend technical information and complex data, identify key issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. Ability to motivate and influence others, build consensus, and achieve results through effective use of persuasive communication. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) is required. Proficiency in Teams and SharePoint is a plus. Experience in SQL, Access, Power BI, and other database and reporting tools is a plus.

 

Role Responsibilities:   

 

Review prospective legislation and regulations and work with internal stakeholders and appropriate industry groups to prepare and submit comments. Work with multi-stakeholder groups to guide development of regulations. Analyze and interpret the implications of proposed legislation and regulations that may affect joint use and pole attachments, and communicate legislative, regulatory and policy changes to internal and external stakeholders. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, standards, and procedures that support and facilitate the consistent operation of the joint use program in accordance with legal requirements. Negotiate, prepare, manage, and administer all joint use, common use and pole attachment agreements and resolve disputes as they arise. Coordinate filings and responses in legal and regulatory requests and proceedings, including data gathering; oversee query formulation to mine attachment data for legal/regulatory proceedings and negotiations; prepare documentation as needed in support of proceedings/negotiations. Serve as utilities coordinator for oversize load moves in accordance with GDOT regulations. Provide technical and policy expertise and direction internally on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and contract requirements, field questions, and provide guidance on appropriate and consistent application of policies, procedures and issue resolution. Provide training for employees, contractors and external stakeholders as needed. Influence internal policies and practices implicating joint use. Support the DOT Project Manager in resolving issues related to oversized load moves, traffic control fiber, and equipment installation. Support Risk Management in the resolution of claims involving joint use. Support billing by ensuring timely and accurate contract information is input into the Joint Use Management System (JUMS); support collection activities for past due invoices. Partner with Revenue Accounting to update rates annually and implement new rates as needed, ensuring timely receipt of rates by the billing team. Oversee the annual count and audit of pole attachments, ensuring an accurate count and GIS import, and contractor adherence to contract and work specifications; calculate cost allocation to and invoicing of attachers. Represent Company on both internal and external committees/boards as appropriate. Serve as GPC liaison to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and work from Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during major storm restoration efforts

 

Working Conditions:

Office environment with occasional field visits. Must be available for emergency response operations as needed.

 

Travel Requirements:

Some travel may be required for meetings, training, and field assessments.