Permitting Specialist

Permitting Specialist

Minneapolis, MN

At Sparkfund, we help organizations deploy and scale distributed energy solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our work sits at the intersection of infrastructure, energy, and technology helping bring distributed energy resource (DER) and battery storage projects from concept to deployment.

We're looking for a Permitting Specialist to help drive projects through the permitting and approval process across multiple jurisdictions.

This role is critical to keeping projects moving. You'll work directly with municipal agencies, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), engineering teams, delivery partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure permit applications are accurate, compliant, and moving efficiently through the approval lifecycle.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving problems, coordinating moving pieces, and building strong working relationships, this is an opportunity to play a visible role in scaling infrastructure projects within one of the fastest-growing sectors in energy.

This isn't a back-office permitting role it's a critical position that directly impacts how quickly real-world energy infrastructure projects move from concept to construction.

As a Permitting Specialist at Sparkfund, you'll play a key role in helping distributed energy and battery storage projects advance through the regulatory and permitting process across multiple jurisdictions. You'll work closely with engineering, delivery, and field teams while building relationships with municipal agencies and AHJs that help keep projects moving forward.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, coordination, and fast-paced operational environments where attention to detail truly matters. You'll have visibility into the full project lifecycle and become a key partner in helping scale infrastructure projects within one of the fastest-growing sectors in energy.

At Sparkfund, permitting is not viewed as an administrative function it's a strategic advantage. We value people who can navigate complexity, build strong working relationships, improve processes, and help accelerate project execution.

If you enjoy ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and being part of projects that create real-world impact, this is an opportunity to grow within an industry that is rapidly evolving and expanding.

What You'll Do

Permit Application Management

• Prepare, review, and submit permit applications across multiple jurisdictions
• Ensure permit packages are accurate, complete, and compliant with AHJ requirements
• Track permit approvals, revisions, resubmissions, inspections, and closeout documentation
• Maintain organized permitting records, logs, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle

AHJ Coordination & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain professional relationships with AHJ staff, inspectors, and municipal contacts
• Coordinate directly with jurisdictions to clarify requirements, resolve submission issues, and improve processing timelines
• Monitor jurisdictional changes and communicate updates impacting project timelines or submission requirements
• Support inspection scheduling and ongoing jurisdictional communication activities

Project & Schedule Coordination

• Integrate permitting timelines into broader project and construction schedules
• Identify permitting risks, delays, or blockers early and communicate impacts proactively
• Prioritize permit submissions based on project timelines and deployment needs
• Support reduction of permit approval cycle times and overall project throughput goals

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Delivery, Applications Design, and Host Engagement teams to support successful project execution
• Coordinate permitting requirements, site constraints, and approval readiness across internal stakeholders
• Surface recurring jurisdictional trends and feedback to improve future project planning and permitting workflows
• Support field teams during inspections, approvals, and readiness-to-mobilize activities

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 25+ years of experience in permitting, entitlement, municipal approvals, construction coordination, or field operations
• Experience working with AHJs, municipal agencies, or regulatory bodies
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in high-volume environments
• Ability to manage multiple jurisdictions and concurrent permitting activities simultaneously
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly to AHJ offices and project sites

Preferred

• Experience with distributed energy resources (DER), electrical permitting, utilities, or infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with permit tracking systems or permitting technology platforms
• Knowledge of NEC, OSHA, or applicable construction and electrical code requirements
• Background in construction management, engineering, urban planning, or related industries

What Success Looks Like

• Submitting accurate and compliant permit applications with minimal resubmissions
• Helping projects move efficiently through permitting and inspection timelines
• Building productive working relationships with AHJs and municipal contacts
• Communicating permitting risks and constraints proactively to project teams
• Supporting improvements that increase permitting efficiency and project throughput

Benefits & Perks

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• 401(k) with 2% employer match
• Flexible time away policy designed to support work-life balance
• Federal holidays observed plus Friday half-days
• 12 weeks gender-neutral paid caregiver leave
• $100/month phone and Wi-Fi allowance
• Opportunities to collaborate across a growing, mission-driven organization

Compensation

Compensation for this role is $103,500 - $130,000 annually. This will be based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.

Location & Travel

This role is onsite and requires regular travel to AHJ offices, municipal facilities, and project sites within assigned territories. Reliable transportation is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.