Job Title : Railroad Permitting Specialist
Location : Morristown, New Jersey (In-Office)
Employment Type : Full-Time
Department : Permitting & Compliance
Reports To : Permitting Manager / Senior Project Manager
Position Overview
The Railroad Permitting Specialist will manage and coordinate the permitting and approval processes for railroad-related construction and infrastructure projects. This role requires strong coordination skills, technical understanding, and familiarity with railroad, state, and federal regulations.
You will work closely with engineering, environmental, and construction teams—as well as railroad representatives and public agencies—to ensure all required approvals are obtained efficiently and in compliance with applicable standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, submit, and track permit applications for railroad projects, including right-of-way access, utility crossings, encroachments, and construction activities.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the company, clients, Class I and short-line railroads, and regulatory agencies.
- Review engineering drawings and technical documents for compliance with railroad standards and permitting requirements.
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely submittals and responses to railroad and agency feedback.
- Maintain accurate permitting records, correspondence, and schedules.
- Monitor permit timelines and proactively communicate updates to project managers.
- Ensure all work adheres to federal, state, local, and railroad-specific safety and regulatory standards.
Qualifications
Required :
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).Minimum 3 years of experience in permitting, regulatory compliance, or right-of-way coordination—preferably with railroad or transportation infrastructure projects.Working knowledge of railroad permitting processes and safety requirements.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general project management tools.Preferred :
Experience working directly with Class I railroads (e.g., Norfolk Southern, CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific).Familiarity with FRA, DOT, or NEPA-related permitting and environmental documentation.Experience with engineering or construction coordination.