Senior Permit Specialist

About the Organization

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. (E2) is a professional services firm established in 1988 specializing in a full spectrum of engineering services including, project engineering and design, federal base operations and infrastructure support services, gas pipeline construction and inspection services, environmental consulting and remediation, and information technology services. At E2, we value safety, innovation and collaboration, and we are dedicated to excellence.

Overview

The Permit Specialist will support utility projects, acting as a complete, end-to-end resource for all permitting needs. This role requires deep experience with utility permitting, right-of-way coordination, excavation and pipeline work, environmental triggers, and multi-jurisdictional approvals across Southern California.

The Permit Specialist will serve as the one-stop shop for all permits including City of Los Angeles, LA County, Caltrans, local jurisdictions, environmental agencies, and public utilities. This position is for a senior-level professional who can operate independently with no training or oversight.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary permitting lead for all projects, managing permits across city, county, state, and special jurisdictions, including BLM, the City of LA, LA County, Caltrans, and public agencies.
• Coordinate all permits related to utility construction, including excavation, pipeline, shoring, paving, right-of-way, traffic control, encroachment, environmental, and structural permits.
• Conduct comprehensive permit research to determine all required approvals, submittal pathways, and sequencing for each gas utility project.
• Prepare and submit complete permitting packages, including applications, TCPs, engineering drawings, site plans, environmental documentation, and supporting materials.
• Manage all communication with municipal reviewers, inspectors, public works departments, environmental agencies, and utility stakeholders to secure timely approvals.
• Navigate City of LA processes (BOE, LADOT, LADWP, Fire, Building & Safety, Planning, etc.) with fluency and accuracy to support gas pipeline and facility work.
• Coordinate environmental requirements including biological surveys, cultural assessments, trenching clearances, and any environmental triggers tied to utility construction.
• Support land-use and right-of-way efforts by confirming easements, access rights, encroachments, and other land constraints affecting SoCalGas work.
• Respond to agency comments, resolve issues, and negotiate conditions to avoid project delays.
• Maintain real-time tracking of all permits, projected approval dates, constraints, and risks, communicating updates to internal engineering, construction, and project teams.
• Use GIS tools, permitting systems, and professional networks (LinkedIn, agency portals, utility contacts) to streamline permitting and stay current with municipal changes.
• Ensure all approved documents, correspondence, and certifications are submitted into SoCalGas-required systems and internal Document Control.
• Identify potential permitting risks early and provide clear mitigation strategies to maintain project schedules and compliance.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of direct experience obtaining permits for utility, gas, energy, infrastructure, or public works projects.
• Strong knowledge of utility construction permitting, right-of-way processes, excavation and traffic control requirements, and municipal code interpretation.
• Experience navigating City of Los Angeles permitting systems and requirements for utility work.
• Proven ability to independently manage permitting across multiple jurisdictions without training or oversight.
• Proficiency with GIS tools, Accela, and online permitting systems used by LA City, LA County, and Caltrans.
• Strong communication skills and experience interfacing with public agencies, inspectors, and project teams.

Preferred

• Prior experience supporting SoCalGas or another gas/electric utility.
• Familiarity with pipeline construction workflows, paving/restoration requirements, and environmental compliance for trenching.
• Understanding of CEQA/NEPA triggers related to utility development.
• Operates independently, requiring no training or guidance.
• Comfortable with complex permitting for gas utility work and can anticipate jurisdictional issues early.
• Has strong municipal relationships and understands the quirks, timelines, and expectations of Southern California agencies.

Benefits

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.

Wage Data Per State Requirements

Hourly range for this position is $38 - $48/hour.  The starting pay will be commensurate with skill, education, experience, and working environment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit/ stand for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to move freely for up to 8 hours per day.

Drug Free Workplace

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. is a Drug Free Workplace. After accepting an offer of employment, applicants may be required to undergo background checks, drug testing, and/or fit-for-duty physical examination.  Drug screens will include, but not be limited to, Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). As a federal contractor, E2 cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician.

Solicitation

Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.