Commercial Permit Manager
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low‑income communities and communities of color. It is an entrepreneurial, high‑growth non‑profit that provides direct solar installation, project development, clean mobility options, workforce training, service‑learning opportunities, and low‑income solar policy advocacy.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Mission: to build community‑powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
What it’s like at GRID
At GRID we care about each other and recognize that every employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well‑being of all team members. Directors and managers must advance the organization’s equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work within the framework of social, economic, and environmental justice.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications.
Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for illegal drugs in California (amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, PCP).
Why this is a big deal
GRID Headquarters is seeking an experienced, community‑minded permit manager to manage commercial solar project permitting for HQ‑ or regionally‑developed projects. The role requires detail‑orientation, strong organization, independent and team work, problem‑solving, and a commitment to GRID’s mission of serving low‑income communities while advancing clean, renewable energy for everyone.
The Opportunity
The Commercial Solar Permitting Manager will manage and standardize the permitting process across a growing portfolio of commercial, multifamily, and community solar projects, reporting to the Commercial General Manager.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage all aspects of solar permitting for commercial, multi‑family and solar‑plus‑storage projects across multiple jurisdictions.
- Review construction plan sets for completeness and accuracy prior to submission.
- Submit permits electronically and coordinate printing and delivery for in‑person submissions when required.
- Coordinate directly with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to ensure timely permit submission, approval, and inspection scheduling.
- Develop and maintain standardized permitting procedures and documentation.
- Create and maintain a comprehensive database of permitting requirements, processes, and AHJ contact information across project regions.
- Collaborate with internal teams including Design & Engineering, Interconnection, and Project Management to ensure alignment and compliance.
- Monitor changes in permitting regulations and communicate updates to relevant stakeholders.
- Act as the main point of contact for permitting escalations and troubleshooting issues with jurisdictions.
- Support internal training efforts related to permitting best practices and process improvements.
What You Need to Bring
- Minimum 3 years of experience in commercial solar permitting, with familiarity of various permit types and regional code requirements.
- Ability to read and review solar PV construction plan sets.
- Experience building and managing relationships with permitting authorities and inspectors.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple permitting efforts simultaneously.
- Experience developing permitting procedures and tracking systems.
- Familiarity with permitting software platforms and project‑management tools (Salesforce preferred).
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating across departments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Passion for clean energy, equity, and environmental justice.
Where You Will Sit & The Places You May Go
This position is remote. Occasional travel (less than 10%) may be required for in‑person team gatherings, regional office visits, or project‑related site visits.
How We Take Care of You
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Health Savings Account (HSA).
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives!
