Permitting Specialist
Minneapolis, MN - USA
Job Summary
Sparkfund is the utility services company unlocking capacity on the grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model Sparkfund enables utilities energy majors and large-load customers to deploy front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. By adding targeted capacity exactly where and when the grid needs it most DCP helps meet demand support reliability and put downward pressure on rates. Sparkfund supports program design grid value assessment asset host engagement and value chain management to ensure on-time on-budget deployment with maximum system value and lowest cost.
With more than 3200 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed Sparkfund is transforming customer-sited assets into a valuable portfolio resource for the benefit of our society. To learn more about Sparkfund visit .
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.
Were 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. Youll 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 isnt a back-office permitting role its a critical position that directly impacts how quickly real-world energy infrastructure projects move from concept to construction.
As a Permitting Specialist at Sparkfund youll play a key role in helping distributed energy and battery storage projects advance through the regulatory and permitting process across multiple jurisdictions. Youll 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. Youll 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 its 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 drivers license and ability to travel regularly to AHJ offices and project sites
- 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
- 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
- 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 for this role is $103500 - $130000 annually. This will be based on experience qualifications and geographic location alignment.
This role is onsite and requires regular travel to AHJ offices municipal facilities and project sites within assigned territories. Reliable transportation is required.
Sparkfundis an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employmenton the basis ofrace 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.
Sparkfundalso provides reasonableaccommodationsfor qualified individuals with disabilities and forsincerely heldreligious beliefs or practices in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you needan accommodation please let us know.
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 indifferent ways.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
The utility services company delivering distributed capacity procurement. Front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets, exactly where the grid needs it most.