Permitting Technician

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout Terra Energy

At Terra Energy, we are committed to making solar energy accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. As a leading provider of solar solutions, we help businesses and homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while cutting down on energy costs. We work with state-of-the-art technology and a forward-thinking team to deliver high-quality solar systems. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Permit Specialist to join our team and manage the permitting process for solar power homes in various jurisdictions.

Position Overview

The Permit Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the permitting process for residential solar power systems in different counties and states. This role requires you to work closely with local and state authorities, ensuring that all necessary permits and regulatory requirements are met for the installation of solar systems. You will manage relationships with county and state negotiators, navigating the permitting landscape to ensure timely approvals for solar projects.

Key ResponsibilitiesPermit Application & Processing

1. Manage Permit Applications

   • Submit and track all necessary applications for permits related to residential solar power installations, including electrical permits, building permits, and any other local or state-specific approvals.

   • Ensure that permit applications meet local and state requirements, avoiding delays and compliance issues.

   • Liaise with permitting authorities to clarify any issues or discrepancies with permit applications and resolve them promptly.

2. Ensure Compliance with Local and State Regulations

   • Stay up-to-date on local, state, and federal regulations related to solar power installations, including zoning laws, building codes, electrical codes, and safety standards.

   • Ensure that all installations adhere to necessary guidelines, standards, and best practices for solar energy systems.

   • Review and interpret regulatory changes and their impact on permitting processes, updating team members and stakeholders accordingly.

Negotiation & Relationship Management

1. Engage with State and County Authorities

   • Establish and maintain relationships with county and state permit authorities, including city planners, zoning boards, and building departments, to facilitate timely permitting.

   • Negotiate with local officials to clarify complex or ambiguous permit requirements and expedite approval processes.

   • Advocate for the interests of Terra Energy and our clients during permitting discussions, ensuring favorable outcomes while adhering to regulations.

2. Manage Permit-related Issues

   • Address any issues or challenges related to permit applications, including disputes over zoning, building codes, and other regulatory barriers.

   • Work with internal teams, such as project managers and engineers, to find creative solutions to permitting challenges and ensure the timely delivery of solar projects.

Documentation & Record Keeping

1. Maintain Accurate Records

   • Keep detailed records of all permit applications, approvals, rejections, and revisions for future reference and auditing purposes.

   • Maintain an organized database of permits and relevant documentation, ensuring all records are up-to-date and easily accessible.

2. Documentation Review

   • Review all permit-related documentation to ensure that all details are accurate and complete before submission to authorities.

   • Prepare reports on permit status for internal stakeholders, including project managers and senior leadership.

Collaboration & Communication

1. Work with Internal Teams

   • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and installation teams to ensure the permitting process aligns with project timelines and delivery schedules.

   • Provide guidance to the installation teams on the permitting status and any changes to requirements that may affect project timelines or costs.

2. Communication with Clients

   • Keep clients informed on the status of their permits and provide them with updates on any potential delays or changes in permitting requirements.

   • Address any concerns clients may have regarding the permitting process, ensuring transparency and maintaining positive relationships.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

1. Research New Regulations

   • Continuously monitor new and evolving laws, codes, and regulations related to solar power installations and permitting across various states and counties.

   • Advocate for changes that make the permitting process more efficient and transparent, aligning with Terra Energy’s mission to make solar energy more accessible.

2. Advocate for the Industry

   • Participate in industry conferences, regulatory meetings, and other networking events to stay connected with relevant stakeholders in the solar and renewable energy space.

   • Provide feedback to industry groups and regulatory bodies about the permitting challenges and advocate for improvements in permitting policies for solar installations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in permitting or regulatory affairs.

• Experience:

  • 2-4 years of experience in permitting, regulatory compliance, or a related field, preferably with a focus on solar or renewable energy projects.

  • Strong understanding of zoning, building codes, and electrical codes as they apply to residential solar installations.

  • Experience navigating local, state, and federal permitting processes, with a proven track record of successfully obtaining permits for solar projects.

• Skills:

  • Strong negotiation skills and the ability to effectively work with county and state authorities to resolve permit-related issues.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain technical and regulatory matters to non-technical stakeholders.

  • Proficiency with permitting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Ability to analyze complex regulations and translate them into clear, actionable steps for project teams.

• Personal Attributes:

  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.

  • Passionate about renewable energy and committed to making solar power more accessible to homeowners and communities.

  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to creatively navigate regulatory challenges.

Why Terra Energy?

• Purpose-Driven: Join a team that is making a significant impact on the renewable energy industry and contributing to the fight against climate change.

• Career Growth: Terra Energy offers ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Innovative Work Environment: Work with cutting-edge solar technologies and collaborate with a team of industry experts.

• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive salaries, benefits, and performance-based incentives.

• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a team that values creativity, transparency, and collaboration.

EEO/ADA/DEI