Project Coordinator & Interconnection Specialist

Sun Light & Power; Berkeley (CA); Remote; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven company focused on clean energy solutions! This exciting role supports the project management team in delivering solar projects while ensuring compliance with regulations. You will manage permitting processes and interconnection applications, making a significant impact on the company's growth and sustainability efforts. With a commitment to employee ownership and a positive work environment, this is an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic team dedicated to a healthier planet. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about clean energy, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Dog-Friendly Environment

Employee Ownership

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience in construction or solar industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of AHJs is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support project management in delivering solar projects.
• Manage interconnection applications with utilities.
• Maintain communication with authorities for permitting.

Skills

Project Management

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

College Degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Project

MS Excel

Sage

Adobe

Job description

Do you want to become an employee-owner for a mission-driven, growth focused company? Do you approach your work with passion and dedication?

About the Company
Sun Light & Power drives the total adoption of clean energy by designing, building, maintaining, and advocating for clean energy solutions so future generations inherit a healthy planet. We are committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience by always innovating and acting with dedication and passion.

We are proud to be certified B-Corporation and this influences our way of working. We make intentional decisions considering sustainability, positive impact on our community and growing profit for the prosperity of our employee-owners. We are a company that strives for a healthy life-work balance and a dog-friendly environment.

Position Description:

This is a temp-to-hire position. The role holder plays a key role in supporting the project management team in delivering photovoltaic and solar thermal projects of varying scope. This position provides administrative support and manages interconnection applications with investor- and locally owned utilities for solar and energy storage systems. The role requires strong attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to manage tasks such as uploading documents, interpreting site plans and single-line diagrams, and staying current with evolving regulations from the CPUC, California Energy Commission, and legislation like AB2143. This position is currently remote, and may require to work at our Berkeley office in future.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for Permitting Related Work:
  • Assign authority having jurisdictions (AHJs) to projects
  • Place initial permit application with AHJ
  • Create deliverables for any Engineering revisions
  • Place complete permitting notes in Salesforce
    • Tracking permit expenses
    • Providing receipts for permits
    • Assist in creating Change Orders for permit fees not included in contract
  • Notify PMs of Change Orders related to permitting
  • Keep track of permit documents
    • Plans & Permits
  • Maintain communication with AHJ
  • Be a liaison between AHJ and Engineering/PM
  • Extend expired permits
  • Notify Superintendents to schedule inspection to prevent permit expiration
  • Pick up permits from AHJ
    • Visit AHJ in person when needed
• Sage Project Set Up
  • Assign project numbers to new projects
  • Responsible for tracking in yearly job journal
  • Set up project record in Sage
  • Create project record
  • Set up initial budget in Sage
• MSP Project Set Up
  • Set up Microsoft Project (MSP) schedule, including initial budget
  • Run and prepare weekly forecast report
• Owner’s Manual
  • Create initial OM for client
  • Obtain final permit and as-builts to be added to OM
  • Notate Salesforce when OM is ready
• Responsible for Owner Controlled Insurance Plan (OCIP) Applications

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist interconnection specialists in communicating with utilities to get projects through to PTO (Permission to Operate).
• Assist residential projects interconnection specialist as needed.
• Apply for project status based on AB2143 and DIR requirements as applicable.
• Keep documentation updated as it pertains to changes with rules and regulations for utilities at the state and local levels.
• Keep documentation up to date and current for all application types with all utilities.
• Become the subject matter expert on how to apply and what is needed for application acceptance for all utilities.
• Attend Sales Hand-off meetings
• Work with clients, Project Managers, Engineers, and Superintendents to ensure that our work meets compliance and regulatory requirements
• Work with Superintendents to ensure jobs are on track for final permit sign off and PTO.
• Other assignments and responsibilities as needed and assigned by the Director of Design & Project Management.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience highly preferred.
• Experience in the construction industry highly preferred,solar industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of AHJs
• Excellent communications skills – verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and support multiple employees’ administrative needs with attention to detail and minimal supervision is essential
• Problem solving skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficient with MS Excel, Word, Adobe, Microsoft Project, and Sage preferred
• Ability to evaluate and then master new software.
• Strong attention to detail and consistent follow-up.
• Strong listening, negotiating, and people skills.
• Flexible personality and desire to work as part of a team.
• Valid CA driver’s license with a clean record.
• CollegeDegree preferred.
• Comfortable with occasional driving for permits.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
It is the policy of Sun Light & Power to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to: recruitment, selection, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, demotion, termination, etc.