Utility Coordinator  - Transportation Projects

About Us

Goins Sweitzer Engineers and Consultants is a transportation-focused consulting firm offering construction management solutions to our clients' infrastructure project needs through the delivery of responsive, high-quality construction and engineering inspection (CEI), contract administration, construction materials management, risk assessment, and specialized program management consulting services. 

We value relationships, quality, and continuous growth and improvement.  These values are at the center of our field-focused, employee-centric culture, and we believe they're foundational to raising the tide in construction management and CEI services, for both our clients and our employees.

We're looking for passionate people who share our commitment to quality construction, an elevated construction management experience, and both personal and professional development.   If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply and look forward to getting to know you!

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Utility Coordinator to support our team with the delivery of North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) highway and bridge construction projects in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, and Polk Counties.  As a Utility Coordinator, you will play a critical role in the successful planning and construction of transportation projects by developing utility relocation strategies and providing coordination services to accomplish removal, relocation, and modification of utility facilities (water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunication, etc.) impacted by highway improvement projects.  

In this role, you will collaborate closely with NCDOT, contractors, utility providers, property owners, and other stakeholders to develop utility relocation schedules.  You will utilize plan sets to identify possible conflicts and work to resolve these.  You will also be responsible for reviewing and approving both utility relocation and encroachment agreements (permits for occupancy of highway right of way) and administering contracts for adjustments to existing and proposed facilities due to highway construction.

Key Responsibilities

Duties will include but may not be limited to:

1. Utility Coordination
   1. Coordinate with NCDOT preconstruction staff and private engineering firms during project design phase to anticipate utility relocation needs and facilitate their timely completion prior to project let date.
   2. Review highway construction plans and identify/verify utilities which may be in conflict and require relocation.
   3. Develop utility relocation strategies and providing coordination services to accomplish removal, relocation, and modification of utility facilities (water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunication, etc.) impacted by highway improvement projects.
   4. Develop utility conflict resolution plans to minimize project delays and cost overruns.
   5. At a minimum, provide monthly project status update reports which include relocation timeframes and progress made.  Report potential delays immediately.
   6. Occasionally visit project sites, attend site meetings, assess site conditions, and/or perform in-field inspections.
2. Permitting and Compliance
   1. Coordinate with NCDOT, utility companies, municipalities, and relevant stakeholders to obtain utility information and facilitate issuance of required permits.
   2. Review permits and utility installation/relocation plans for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to utilities and infrastructure.
3. Communication and Project Collaboration
   1. Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with utility companies, contractors, and project team members about utility needs, real or potential issues, schedule impacts, and overall project status.
   2. Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and design teams to integrate utility considerations into project plans.
   3. Facilitate communication between project stakeholders to address utility-related issues and concerns.
   4. Collaborate coordination efforts with Right-of-Way acquisition process.
4. Budget and Cost Management
   1. Assist in the development of utility budgets and cost estimates.
   2. Negotiate with utility companies and contractors on cost- and schedule-related project elements.
   3. Monitor utility-related expenses and recommend adjustments as necessary to stay within project budget limits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and field experience
• Thorough knowledge of utility construction methods
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and permitting processes, preferably on NCDOT projects
• Ability to read and understand highway construction and utility relocation plans
• Ability to manage details on multiple concurrent projects
• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite of software, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions
• A strong sense of responsibility, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well independently and in a team
• Valid driver's license and favorable driving record

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions
• Personal time off and paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• The chance to contribute to meaningful transportation projects that benefit communities

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.  We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Background checks are required.

Goins Sweitzer Engineers and Consultants is an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.  If your skillset matches the job description above, we invite you to apply and look forward to welcoming a dedicated Utility Coordinator to our team.