Job Description

Prospecting Associate

Renewable energy professional with proficient technical skills to perform due diligence (siting, permitting, resource assessments, etc.) to identify potential wind and solar greenfield development sites; manage team members to advance the projects from prospecting stage to early development.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Prospecting Associate to join our renewable energy development team. This role is critical in identifying, evaluating, and securing land and resource opportunities for utility-scale wind and solar energy projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of GIS tools, land acquisition processes, renewable resource assessment, and local regulatory environments.

Job Description

Strong communication, problem solving, and management skills are critical to perform duties which include, but are not limited to:

• Site Identification: use GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and resource data (wind speed, solar irradiance, etc.) to identify high-potential sites for wind and solar projects
• Data Collection and Analysis: evaluate land suitability based on proximity to transmission infrastructure, environmental constraints, zoning, topography, and access
• Market Research: monitor and assess regional energy markets, land use trends, renewable energy incentives, regulatory frameworks, and interconnection processes to guide prospecting efforts
• Due Diligence: conduct preliminary site assessments including environmental, permitting, interconnection, and buildability considerations
• Collaboration: work closely with internal teams including permitting, engineering, legal, and lands to identify and secure prospective sites
• Landowner Outreach: manage land agents’ communication with landowners to assess interest in land lease or purchase agreements and secure land rights for wind and solar development
• Internal Approvals: prepare project overviews and presentation decks for review by executive leadership to advance projects from prospecting to early development stage
• Project Screening: identify potential fatal flaws and recommend mitigation plans

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Technical proficiency (GIS, PVsyst, WindPro, etc.) and understanding of renewable energy due diligence processes
• Familiarity with grid interconnection studies and utility regulatory frameworks
• Understanding of environmental and cultural site constraints relevant to wind and solar development
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies
• Detail orientation sufficient to organize and manage multiple project tasks
• Analytical skills and ability to spot potential fatal flaws
• Microsoft Office, project and pertinent web application skills at an intermediate level
• Proven positive and professional attitude, and strong team player
• Strong research skills

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Business, Economics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in site prospecting, land acquisition, or project development, preferably in the renewable energy sector
• Proficient in GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial analysis
• Experience with renewable energy modeling tools such as WindPro and PVsyst
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and development processes
• Understanding of zoning, permitting, and interconnection procedures
• Strong analytical skills, capable of identifying and addressing project risks early.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Team player with a professional, positive attitude

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