Routing & Siting Specialist

position summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking an experienced Routing & Siting Specialist to support the planning, routing, permitting, and regulatory approval of electric transmission projects throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

This position will play a key role in helping utility clients evaluate transmission corridors, develop defensible route alternatives, prepare regulatory applications, and navigate complex siting proceedings. The ideal candidate will bring direct experience with Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) transmission siting and routing processes, including Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) and Certificate of Authority (CA) proceedings, and understand how engineering, environmental, land, community, and regulatory considerations come together in the development of a successful transmission project.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have at least ten years of direct experience in the Power Sector and a minimum of three years leading routing and siting activities, including developing or leading the regulatory record, expert testimony, data requests, technical exhibits, public engagement and contested-case proceedings associated with major transmission projects.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible opportunity that can be based anywhere in the Midwest, with preference given to candidates located in Wisconsin. The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $145,300 and $183,400 annually, depending upon qualifications and experience. This position is also bonus eligible.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees enjoy a generous paid vacation package, pro-rated according to start date. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and competitive benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

• Lead routing and siting studies, including developing an internal team, for electric transmission lines and associated facilities in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.
• Develop and evaluate route alternatives considering environmental, engineering, constructability, land use, community, cost, permitting, and other regulatory factors.
• Support preparation of applications and supporting documentation for Wisconsin PSC CPCN and CA proceedings.
• Coordinate with environmental, engineering, GIS, land, public involvement, and regulatory specialists to develop technically sound and defensible routing recommendations.
• Prepare or contribute to route alternatives analyses, regulatory applications, technical reports, exhibits, maps, and supporting documentation.
• Develop technical positions and documentation capable of supporting the project through regulatory review and contested proceedings.
• Prepare and support expert written and oral testimony, including exhibits and responses to discovery or data requests.
• Assist project witnesses with testimony preparation, technical review, and hearing preparation.
• Respond to questions and information requests from regulatory agencies, intervenors, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Participate in meetings with utilities, regulators, local governments, landowners, and other project stakeholders.
• Identify routing and permitting risks early in project development and help clients develop strategies to address those risks.
• Provide senior-level quality review of routing, siting, and regulatory work products.
• Support multidisciplinary project teams through planning, application development, regulatory review, construction, and project implementation.
• Assist Merjent's continued growth in the electric transmission and utility market throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geography, Engineering, Natural Resources, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the Power Sector, and 3+ years leading electric transmission routing, siting, permitting, and regulatory approval projects.
• Demonstrated experience with Wisconsin PSC transmission siting processes, including CPCN and CA proceedings.
• Experience developing route alternatives and evaluating environmental, engineering, land use, community, permitting, cost, and regulatory considerations.
• Experience preparing regulatory applications, technical reports, exhibits, mapping products, discovery responses, and supporting documentation for major transmission projects.
• Direct involvement in building and defending the regulatory record, including expert testimony, contested-case proceedings, hearings, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Strong understanding of utility project development and multidisciplinary team coordination.
• Ability to identify project risks, develop practical solutions, and provide defensible technical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working with utilities, regulators, local governments, landowners, and project teams.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, project management, and quality assurance skills.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.