Wind farms provide clean, renewable energy across the country. Developing and running them relies on the skills of wind energy project managers and operations managers. Wind energy project managers lead efforts to develop potential wind energy businesses, from conducting environmental studies, and writing business proposals, to applying for permits. Their plans factor in detailed schedules and anticipated costs. Once they have a green light to build, they may also manage project construction. Project managers may also negotiate a variety of agreements, such as tax savings, contracts to buy the wind power generated, or land use. They must know civil design, engineering and construction codes to ensure they meet government standards. Wind energy operations managers oversee existing wind field operations. They may also need to negotiate wind farm contracts to ensure they continue to have buyers for the power they generate. They oversee equipment maintenance, hire and supervise employees, and ensure that safety policies are observed. Wind energy operations managers interact with a variety of stakeholders, from land owners and developers to utility reps and customers. Wind energy project and operations managers share similar education requirements: most jobs require a bachelor’s degree, although some require technical expertise and a certificate along with work experience, rather than a degree.
What they do:
Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.
On the job, you would:
Track and maintain records for wind operations, such as site performance, downtime events, parts usage, or substation events.
Oversee the maintenance of wind field equipment or structures, such as towers, transformers, electrical collector systems, roadways, or other site assets.
Supervise employees or subcontractors to ensure quality of work or adherence to safety regulations or policies.
Business
management
customer service
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
talking people into changing their minds or their behavior
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Leadership
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Oracle Enterprise Asset Management eAM
Industrial control software
Programmable logic controller PLC software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$110,630
$53,380
$191,340
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