Solar Permitting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Permitting Associate
Compensation: $29-$35 per hour
Job Type: Full-Time
New York State Solar is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and solutions-oriented Senior Permitting Associate to join our growing Operations team. This role is responsible for independently managing the full permitting lifecycle for residential solar projects while serving as a senior resource and operational support partner to the permitting leadership team.
The Senior Permitting Associate plays a critical role in driving permit pipeline performance, resolving complex permitting challenges, and ensuring projects progress efficiently from design through installation. This individual is expected to operate with a high level of ownership, accountability, and autonomy while helping to elevate team performance through peer mentorship, onboarding support, and process guidance.
Duties & Responsibilities:
As a Sr. Permitting Associate, you will:
• Independently manage a high-volume portfolio of residential solar permit applications across multiple AHJs and municipalities
• Own projects throughout the full permitting lifecycle from submission through approval
• Prioritize and manage workload to ensure permit timelines, installation readiness, and operational goals are consistently met
• Proactively identify project risks, delays, or missing documentation and drive timely resolution
• Handle escalated or complex permitting issues requiring advanced problem-solving and municipality coordination
• Prepare, review, and submit permit packages for accuracy, completeness, and code compliance
• Coordinate directly with municipalities, building departments, inspectors, utilities, and AHJs to secure permit approvals
• Serve as a primary liaison between customers, design, engineering, sales, scheduling, and field operations teams
• Provide consistent and proactive project updates to both internal stakeholders and customers
• Maintain accurate project records and status tracking within CRM and project management platforms
• Research and adapt to changing permitting requirements, zoning regulations, and municipal processes
• Act as a senior team resource by providing guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day support to Permitting Associates
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members on permitting workflows, systems, and best practices
• Support managers with quality control initiatives, process improvements, and operational reporting
• Help reinforce team standards around accuracy, efficiency, communication, and customer experience
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and contribute recommendations to improve departmental performance and scalability
• Partner closely with field operations and scheduling teams to ensure permit approvals align with installation timelines
• Collaborate with leadership to support departmental goals, staffing needs, and process optimization initiatives
• Assist in maintaining strong working relationships with AHJs and external permitting partners
Job Requirements:
• 3+ years of experience in solar permitting, operations coordination, project coordination, or a related field required
• Residential solar permitting experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in independently managing a high-volume permit pipeline
• Familiarity with AHJs, municipal permitting processes, utility requirements, and residential construction documentation
• Prior experience supporting onboarding, training, or mentoring team members preferred
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally
• Customer-service mindset with a commitment to professionalism and responsiveness
Benefits
• Medical, vision & dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(K) with up to 6% match
• Paid Training
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, bereavement, etc.)
• Company-paid disability insurance