Permit Specialist I

EKN Engineering; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental, Vis

401(k) with Company Match

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Exclusive Employee Discounts

Monthly Catered Lunches & Daily Office

Employee Engagement & Wellness

JOYA Health Membership

Wellness Perks & Support Programs

Job summary

EKN Engineering in Irvine, CA is seeking a detail-oriented Permit Specialist to join our Permits and Compliance team. You will manage day-to-day client communications via email and virtual meetings, track timelines, and enter accurate data into internal and shared platforms to ensure smooth collaboration.

The ideal candidate communicates clearly, stays organized in a fast-paced environment, and can multitask while meeting deadlines. Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage time, tasks, and deadlines effectively.

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with clients via email, phone and virtual meetings.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings; take meeting notes and action items.
• Help manage expectations by clearly communicating timelines, changes or delays.
• Manage reporting and project tracking utilizing Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrate analytical thinking and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and stay calm under pressure.
• Read and analyze construction drawings and discuss scope with clients.
• Coordinate and communicate permit expectations with internal and external teams.
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Verbal and written communication

Self-motivation / Independent work

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Permit Specialist – Permits and Compliance

At EKN Engineering, we solve challenging problems with innovative engineering and configurable software solutions. We use an engineering-first approach, combined with data-driven strategies, to improve overall compliance, risk management, and design accuracy tailored to the specific needs of each client.

With decades of experience in engineering, our team of over 160 professionals in Irvine, California is dedicated to building a safer and more efficient tomorrow through engineering and technological innovation.

Role Overview and Responsibilities: We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Permit Specialist to join our Permits and Compliance Department. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented and is comfortable with professional client communication both via email and virtual meetings. This person would manage day-to-day communication with clients, ensuring smooth collaboration, timely updates, and high levels of client satisfaction. You will be expected to enter accurate and timely data into both internal and shared platforms. We are seeking an organized and motivated individual who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment. A successful candidate will have excellent organizational skills, strong communication, be able to multitask, and possess a strong work ethic.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with clients via email, phone and virtual meetings.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings as needed. Take meeting notes and action items.
• Help manage expectations by clearly communicating timelines, changes or delays.
• Manage reporting and project tracking utilizing Microsoft Excel.
• Analytical thinking and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and stay calm under pressure.
• Reading and analysis of construction drawings and ability to discuss with clients to understand the scope of work for each permit.
• Coordinate and communicate permit expectations with internal and external teams
• Assisting with other administrative tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage time, tasks, and deadlines effectively
• Basic critical thinking skills

Why Join Us

At EKN Engineering, you’ll be part of a company that values innovation and accountability and supports our employees' professional growth and personal development. Here, you’ll work with teams that push the boundaries of engineering to create solutions that enhance our communities and the environment by making utilities safer.

100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to support your health and well-being.

401(k) with Company Match – We invest in your future with a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Exclusive Employee Discounts – Access our BenefitsHub for savings on travel, rental cars, hotels, theme parks, and more.

Monthly Catered Lunches & Daily Office Snacks – Enjoy a well-stocked kitchen and regular team meals to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Employee Engagement & Wellness – We value connection and balance. Our team enjoys a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including hiking outings, summer BBQs, sports games, holiday celebrations, and dedicated team-building days.

JOYA Health Membership – Access to over $1,000 in annual skin health and wellness benefits, including complimentary facials or peels, aesthetic service credits, priority skin cancer screenings, teledermatology services, and discounts on skincare products.

Wellness Perks & Support Programs – Access a variety of wellness resources including discounted gym memberships through One Pass, mental health and self-care tools via AbleTo and Calm.