Amber Nichols
Tyler,TX
Summary
Highly organized and results-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in operations, project coordination, and team leadership. Expertise in managing high-volume workloads, including up to 1MW per month in renewable energy projects, while streamlining processes to enhance efficiency. Proficient in fostering cross-functional collaboration and leveraging strong communication skills to solve complex problems in fast-paced environments. Committed to driving operational excellence and delivering measurable outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Permitting & Interconnection Lead
South Plains Solar / Connect M
Remote
05.2021 - 02.2026
- Manage permitting and interconnection processes for solar projects totaling up to 1 MW per month across multiple states
- Oversee a high-volume pipeline of 15–20 projects simultaneously, ensuring accurate tracking and on-time progression
- Prepare, submit, and track building and electrical permit applications with AHJs, minimizing revisions and approval delays
- Maintain strong relationships with AHJs and utilities to expedite approvals and quickly resolve corrections
- Lead utility interconnection efforts for grid-tied systems, including net metering and ERCOT compliance
- Coordinate with utilities on technical reviews, including inverter specifications and system requirements
- Review site plans, single-line diagrams (SLDs), and supporting documentation for accuracy prior to submission
- Drive projects from sale to installation within 15–25 days by proactively removing permitting and interconnection bottlenecks
- Coordinate AHJ inspections and utility witness testing to achieve Permission to Operate (PTO)
- Manage and direct a third-party partner company, ensuring alignment with timelines, quality standards, and submission accuracy
- Utilize Enphase, SolarEdge, and Tesla platforms to support system configuration and interconnection requirements
- Implement process improvements that reduced approval timelines and increased overall operational efficiency
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
On-Site Supervisor
Stryker
Tyler, TX
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Supervised and led a team of 7 surgical specialists across two hospital locations
- Coordinated operating room logistics in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
- Collaborated with surgeons and staff to improve workflow efficiency and reduce delays
- Ensured strict compliance with HIPAA, safety standards, and operating procedures
- Trained and mentored team members to improve performance and consistency
- Coordinated workflow among team members to optimize project timelines and resource allocation.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring availability of materials for uninterrupted production processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and enhance project outcomes.
- Led initiatives to reduce downtime through proactive maintenance and troubleshooting strategies.
- Maintained records and logs of work performed and materials and equipment used.
- Developed work schedules for team members to maximize shift coverage.
- Provided clear communication to team members regarding goals, expectations, and individual responsibilities within the project scope.
Private Nanny
Withers Family
Austin, TX
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Managed daily scheduling, care, and development activities in a private household
- Demonstrated strong time management, adaptability, and communication skills
- Developed age-appropriate educational activities fostering cognitive and social skills.
- Coordinated daily schedules, ensuring timely meals, naps, and educational activities.
- Organized playdates and outings to enhance social interaction among peers.
Education
Associate’s Degree - General Studies
Tyler Junior College
Tyler, TXSkills
- Solar Permitting (AHJ Coordination)
- Utility Interconnection (Net Metering, Grid-Tied Systems)
- Multi-State Project Management
- Project Tracking & Pipeline Optimization
- Technical Plan Review (Site Plans, SLDs)
- Regulatory Compliance (ERCOT & State Utilities)
- Process Improvement & Workflow Efficiency
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking
Certification
CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician)
Timeline
Permitting & Interconnection Lead
South Plains Solar / Connect M
05.2021 - 02.2026
On-Site Supervisor
Stryker
01.2014 - 01.2021
Private Nanny
Withers Family
01.2010 - 01.2014
Associate’s Degree - General Studies
Tyler Junior College