Permitting Specialist

Sparkfund•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sparkfund is the deployment services company utilities rely on to take DERs from grid edge to grid core. With over a decade of experience as a utility services company, Sparkfund has pioneered a smarter approach to deploying distributed assets as part of a fast-growing grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities to plan, deploy, and dispatch DERs at the scale and pace necessary to meet load growth demand and unlock the full value of the grid. We support program design, assessment of DER grid value, host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment of distributed resources with maximum grid value and lowest cost. With more than 3,500 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming buildings into a valuable extension of the grid for the benefit of our society. Permitting Specialist Onsite (within commuting distance of assigned AHJs and project sites) 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. Why Join Sparkfund? 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.

Requirements

2–5+ 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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