Permitting and Compliance Specialist at Atlantica – United States
About This Position
Location: United States
Permitting & Compliance Specialist (Project Management) – Renewable Energy
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Department: Project Management
Role Purpose
A Permitting & Compliance specialist manages permits for renewable energy projects, handling all local, state, and federal requirements as well as other non-public permits and utilities one. The role aligns permits with the project milestones and works closely with teams, consultants, permitting authorities, and stakeholders. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of regulations are needed. As part of a global team, we operate with shared responsibility and clear accountability. We operate as one company, across all locations, with shared responsibility and clear accountability. We operate as one company, across all locations, with shared responsibility and clear accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Identify all permitting requirements (zoning, environmental, construction, interconnection, etc.) at local, state, and federal levels for each project.
Prepare and submit permit applications, including environmental impact assessments and technical documentation
Ensure submitted plans and documents comply with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
Build relationships with public agencies with regular tracking, visits and follow up.
Research and interpret permit regulations, zoning codes, and construction documents.
Communicate with applicants, developers, contractors, and the public to explain permit procedures, requirements, and fees.
Coordinate with external consultants, legal advisors, internal development teams, and relevant departments and agencies to prepare and submit complete permit applications.
Maintain accurate records, files, and logs of permit activities and inspections (both digital and physical) in accordance with company standards.
Maintain a permitting matrix and permit trackers for all active projects.
Compile and route permit folders, maintain permit systems, and recommend process improvements.
Liaise with permitting agencies (e.g., County, BLM, USFWS, State Land Departments, DOTs) to respond to information requests.
Assist in scheduling and tracking field inspections and maintaining inspection activity logs.
Ensure that all permits and conditions are included in project plans and communicated to all Project team: scheduling, legal, real state, engineering, construction, environmental, etc.…
Support risk assessments by identifying permitting delays or challenges that may impact project schedules. Ensure compliance in time of the schedule, looking for back up or expedition plans when it is necessary.
Prepare reports and assist with administrative tasks as needed.
Take responsibility for assigned tasks and deliverables.
Align work with company-wide priorities and goals.
Promote collaboration and accountability across internal teams and offices to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
Experience with utilities and interconnection processes in California and Arizona is a plus.
Monitor changes in regulations and advise project teams accordingly
Education & Certifications
Undergraduate degree in environmental studies, urban planning, public policy, engineering, or a related field
Professional office experience (administration, permitting, regulatory affairs, or construction preferred; renewable energy, infrastructure, or utilities is a plus)
Minimum four years’ experience
Experience & Technical Skills
Knowledge of building codes, zoning, and development regulations. Experience in CA in Imperial County and San Bernardino County is a plus
Strong communication and customer service; able to work with agencies and present clearly
Skilled in researching, analyzing, and interpreting regulations and technical documents
Organized, detail-oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines
Proficient with office software and electronic records management
Effective under pressure and with diverse teams
Familiarity with permitting frameworks (CEQA, NEPA, CUPs, SPDs, zoning codes, environmental assessments)
Understanding of interconnection permitting
Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS, SharePoint, or project tracking tools is beneficial
Key Competencies
Detail-oriented with strong analytical thinking.
Skilled in interpreting legal documents.
Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all domains.
Organized and adept at managing multiple schedules.
Proactive, accountable, and collaborative in fast-paced settings.
Demonstrates ownership and accountability.
Communicates clearly with distributed teams.
Dedicated to company goals and team success.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Company Culture
We believe in a culture of trust, shared goals, and accountability. No matter where you are based, you are part of one team working toward the same mission.