Wind Energy Development Manager

Your Fit

Income

$137K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Wind Energy Development Manager?

Wind Energy Development Managers oversee the development of wind energy projects, including the planning, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines and wind farms. They focus on ensuring projects are environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations.

Sample job titles:

Business Development Director, Business Development Manager, Development Director, Development Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Wind Energy Development Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Wind Energy Development Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$69K per year	$100K per year	$137K per year	$179K per year	$228K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $87K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Wind Energy Development Manager do?

Work environment

This role typically involves working in an office setting, with frequent visits to wind farm sites. It may require collaboration with engineers, scientists, investors, government officials, and contractors. Work can involve travel and outdoor site assessments in various weather conditions.

Quick task list

Plans and oversees the installation of wind turbines and wind farms.
Manages budgets, timelines, and project scopes.
Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
Coordinates with engineers, technicians, and other professionals.
Assesses sites for wind energy potential.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Project Development: Focusing on the initial planning and feasibility studies for new wind projects.
Operations Management: Overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of wind farms.
Environmental Compliance: Specializing in ensuring wind projects meet environmental regulations and standards.
Technical Analysis: Concentrating on the technical aspects of wind energy, including turbine design and energy output optimization.

Description

Wind Energy Development Managers play a pivotal role in the growing field of renewable energy. They work at the forefront of sustainable development, balancing the need for clean energy with environmental and economic considerations. Their responsibilities include everything from initial site selection and feasibility studies to overseeing construction and maintaining operations.

In this role, effective project management skills are crucial. Managers must be adept at budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. They also need to stay current with technological advancements in wind energy and regulatory changes.

This career is ideal for those passionate about renewable energy and environmental sustainability. It offers the opportunity to contribute to the fight against climate change by increasing the adoption of wind energy, a key component of the renewable energy mix.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to environmental sustainability and clean energy initiatives.
Working on innovative and challenging projects in renewable energy.
Seeing tangible results in the form of operational wind energy projects.

You might make a good Wind Energy Development Manager if you are...

Passionate about renewable energy and sustainable development.
Skilled in project management and problem-solving.
Proficient in technical and environmental analysis.
Comfortable collaborating with a variety of professionals and stakeholders.
Able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and regulations.

Pros:

Contribution to Sustainable Energy: Playing a pivotal role in developing renewable energy, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy independence.
Growing Industry: With the global shift towards renewable energy, the wind energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, offering numerous opportunities.
Innovative and Dynamic Field: The role involves working with cutting-edge technology in a rapidly evolving industry.
Leadership and Impact: Managing large-scale projects that have a significant impact on energy production and environmental conservation.

Cons:

Complex Project Management: Overseeing wind energy projects can be complex, involving coordination with multiple stakeholders and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Technical Challenges: Navigating the technical aspects of wind energy can be demanding and requires continuous learning.
Outdoor and Hazardous Conditions: Work may involve spending time in outdoor environments and at heights, which can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous.
Market and Policy Dependence: The industry is heavily influenced by government policies and market trends, which can affect project viability and job security.

How to become a Wind Energy Development Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or renewable energy is typically required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in wind energy or project management are highly beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and Environmental Science: Essential for understanding the principles of wind energy and its environmental impact.
Mathematics: Important for calculations related to energy production and project management.
Geography: Useful for understanding terrain and weather patterns relevant to wind farm locations.
Technology and Engineering: Provides a foundation for understanding the technical aspects of wind turbines and energy systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Science Clubs or Competitions: Encourages exploration of renewable energy concepts and innovation.
Environmental Clubs: Raises awareness about sustainability and renewable energy sources.
Leadership Roles in Projects or Clubs: Develops organizational and leadership skills relevant to managing large projects.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: A degree in renewable energy, environmental science, engineering, or a related field is typically required.
Internships: Practical experience through internships in renewable energy companies or related projects.
Technical Training: Specialized training or certifications in wind energy technology and project management.
Networking: Joining professional organizations and attending industry conferences in renewable energy.

More resources

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) - Offers resources, training, and networking opportunities in the wind energy sector.
Windustry - Provides information and advocacy for community wind energy development.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - Wind Energy - Offers research, data, and analysis on wind energy technologies.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Contains detailed information about the Wind Energy Development Manager occupation, including skills, job outlook, and educational pathways.
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) - A global trade association providing information and advocacy for the wind energy industry.

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