Site Acquisition Specialist

Site Acquisition Specialist

KCI is seeking an experienced Site Acquisition Specialist to support telecommunications site development projects for wireless carriers, tower companies and infrastructure developers. This role is responsible for independently managing site acquisition activities including site identification, lease negotiations, zoning and permitting approvals, due diligence, stakeholder coordination and project execution.

The Site Acquisition Specialist will serve as the day-to-day lead on assigned projects and is expected to manage multiple sites with limited supervision while ensuring project schedules, budgets and client deliverables are achieved. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with wireless zoning and permitting processes, real estate negotiations, project financials and project coordination across multiple jurisdictions.

Project Management & Execution

• Independently manage assigned site acquisition projects from RF search area through NTP acceptance and project closeout.
• Develop, maintain and drive project schedules to meet client deployment milestones.
• Coordinate activities among internal engineering teams, surveyors, environmental consultants, contractors and stakeholders.
• Track project deliverables, identify risks and proactively resolve issues affecting schedule or budget.
• Maintain project documentation, reporting and status updates utilizing project management tools.
• Manage assigned work within established budgets and proactively identify potential budget or scope impacts.
• Effectively manage project scope and escalate potential changes or conflicts when necessary.
• Participate in deployment calls, client meetings, and internal project reviews.

Site Acquisition, Zoning & Permitting

• Lead site identification, candidate evaluation and site qualification efforts.
• Negotiate lease agreements, amendments, easements and access agreements with property owners.
• Prepare, review, and submit Site Candidate Information Packages (SCIPs), zoning applications, permitting packages and colocation documentation.
• Serve as the primary resource for zoning and permitting activities, coordinating approvals through municipalities and regulatory agencies.
• Research and interpret zoning ordinances, land development codes, comprehensive plans and permitting requirements.
• Coordinate applications through jurisdictional review, including comment responses, revisions, resubmittals and approval.
• Coordinate and support presentations before planning commissions, zoning boards, city councils, HOA meetings and other jurisdictional bodies.
• Review title reports, surveys, easements, legal descriptions and related documents to identify project constraints.
• Conduct due diligence activities including zoning reviews, parcel research, ownership verification and jurisdictional assessments.
• Maintain a strong understanding of state and local land-use regulations impacting wireless telecommunications facilities.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Understand project budgets, budgeted hours and financial expectations for assigned work.
• Assist with project setup, budget tracking, forecasting and invoicing activities.
• Monitor project progress against budget and proactively identify potential impacts to profitability.
• Support change order documentation and scope management activities.
• Participate in project review meetings and provide accurate schedule, financial and status reporting.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a day-to-day contact for clients, landlords, municipalities and project stakeholders.
• Communicate project status, risks and schedule impacts proactively.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with property owners, government agencies, clients and project team members.
• Support client reporting requirements and maintain a high level of client service.
• Exercise sound judgment in independently resolving project issues and escalating matters when appropriate.

Team Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide guidance and support to Site Acquisition Coordinators and junior team members as appropriate.
• Support development of best practices, templates and workflow improvements.
• Ensure compliance with KCI policies, procedures, quality standards and client requirements.

Position Requirements

• Strong experience with wireless carrier and tower company site acquisition processes.
• Extensive experience with zoning, permitting and municipal approval processes for wireless telecommunications facilities.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing zoning and permitting applications through approval.
• Experience coordinating with planning departments, permitting agencies and jurisdictional officials.
• Working knowledge of real estate transactions, lease negotiations, title review and due diligence.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities with limited supervision.
• Understanding of project schedules, budgets, forecasting and scope management.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret legal, technical and contractual documents.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Experience with ArcGIS is preferred.
• Willingness to travel as necessary for site visits, municipal meetings, zoning hearings and client meetings.

Specialized Experience Required:

• Demonstrated experience managing wireless site acquisition projects with emphasis on zoning and permitting approvals.
• Experience negotiating leases and coordinating entitlement processes for wireless infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of municipal approval processes, land-use regulations and jurisdictional requirements.
• Effective project management, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

Education and/or Skills Required:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in environmental planning, transportation planning, urban planning or related discipline
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in GIS software.
• Excellent public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Project management and leadership skills.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Required:

• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to maintain required certifications.

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Preferred:

• AICP

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.