Senior Project Developer - Solar

Overview:

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is focused on the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of solar PV and energy storage projects with capacities from 1MW to 100MW in Canada and the USA.   GSI is seeking a champion for renewable energy development in our key market state of Illinois.

We are seeking a renewable energy professional who is aligned with GSI’s key operating philosophy of being a dedicated steward of the land, fostering long-lasting relationships and supporting environmentally positive projects that benefit all stakeholders involved.   This individual will be responsible for advancing to NTP a portfolio of early-stage Illinois Community Solar projects with support from GSI’s in-house teams.

This full-time permanent position will be remote-based with a high degree of necessary, role-based travel and periodic travel to both our Canadian and U.S.-based offices. The position will be primarily focused on Illinois but may require some additional responsibilities in other markets across GSI. This position will be a work-from-home role, ideally based out of Illinois, New York, or the northeastern USA, with easy access to Illinois.

Key Responsibilities Will Include:

·Independently lead the development of multiple Illinois community solar sites through all phases of the project development lifecycle to   achieve Notice to Proceed.

·Meet in person and build valued relationships with County and Town staff to facilitate zoning/land-use approvals, Host Community Benefit   agreements, Building Permits, Site Development Permits, Special Use Permits, etc., as required.

·Meet in person with signed Landowners and build a trusted relationship.

·Meet proactively with neighbours, board members, trustees, and stakeholders who are impacted by the project and identify ways to     mitigate concerns.

·Facilitate the contract management of existing Interconnection Agreements with local utilities to mitigate risk and ensure successful alignment with future construction

·Work collaboratively with GSI’s engineering team and external engineering consultants to ensure that site layouts, site plans and civil design satisfy local permitting requirements, landowner expectations and other parameters while also being cost-competitive and aligned with market standards.

·Work with GSI’s Strategic Capital team to prepare, optimize and conduct sensitivity analyses for financial models and prepare     accompanying investor materials regarding project status. 

· Manage sub-consultants (environmental services, surveyors, etc.) to prepare required deliverables for financing and contract approvals.

· Mentor and guide the growth of Project Development Associates and Project Developers and, in the future, provide a direct supervisory        role in key markets.

·Implement best project management practices to track and report on portfolio status, risks, development budget and schedule. 

·Build a project plan and report quarterly on project progress.

·Utilize company CRM to track key correspondence and project milestones.

·Educate stakeholders about the benefits of solar power while also competently and confidently addressing their concerns.

Key Attributes:

·Degree or diploma in project management, engineering, environment, business or construction administration.

·6 years of experience in Project Management, Engineering, or Development of Renewable Energy Projects with at least 3 years of   specific solar development experience in the USA.

·Familiarity with Illinois Shines / Adjustable Block Program rules and requirements.

· Familiarity with EECs and EPPs requirements for the Illinois Shines / Adjustable Block Program rules.

·Familiarity with complying with MES Annual Reviews from the Illinois Shines Program.

·Knowledge of complete renewable energy project lifecycle, power policies, power market, power technologies, trends and solar   development risks/challenges.

·Ability to read and interpret electrical single-line diagrams and basic layout drawings.

·Comfortable interpreting and modifying detailed legal agreements.

·Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with a collaborative working style.

·Strong and positive negotiator.

·Strong verbal and written communication skills and comfortable making presentations to groups.

·Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with scheduling and CRM tools.

·Capability to work under pressure with a sense of urgency while prioritizing workload.

·Experience managing projects with development budgets exceeding $1M.

·Valid driver’s license and comfortable driving long distances for site visits.