Scope of Job: The Project Development Associate position facilitates and supports the Company's solar PV and battery storage project development efforts, including locating and contracting with landowners for projectappropriate sites throughout North America; performing project diligence; filing interconnection applications, reviewing studies, and supporting negotiation of interconnection agreements; identifying, applying for, and securing required project approvals including permits and licenses; engaging community stakeholders; managing external consultants; and coordinating project design with internal engineering and construction professionals. The Project Development Associate will have strong organizational skills; a deep passion for renewable energy and storage; the ability to communicate effectively with landowners, government officials, and project stakeholders; and experience in renewable energy or battery storage project development as described above.

Location: This position will be based in the Southwest US, with preference to candidates already located in/near Los Cruces, NM or El Paso, TX. Consideration may be given to candidates also located in other areas in NM, TX, AZ, NV, or CO.

Physical Requirements: Traversing project site visits with varying terrain and weather conditions.

Working Conditions: Approximately 60% of the time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, CAD etc.), telephones, and general office equipment. Approximately 40% of the time is spent travelling and interacting with customers, landowners, members of the public, elected officials, consultants and other stakeholders at the project site or other meeting locations as required. Fulfills all delegated tasks many of which may be loosely associated with the primary assignment of the job description.

Support the development of Company projects, including: securing appropriate project sites in targeted areas; retaining and working with consultants and independently to perform project diligence; researching, applying for, and attending meetings with governmental officials and community representatives in support of securing project permits; researching and understanding interconnection requirements and constraints; facilitating interconnection agreement negotiation and execution; establishing and implementing project development plans, budgets and schedules; collaborating with originators, engineers, and project construction personnel across the Company to align development outcomes with project origination, design, and construction constraints.
• Coordinate, track, update, and report on project development matters internally within the Company and externally with third-party stakeholders as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience -

• Bachelor's degree in business, environmental, or engineering.
• 2+ years of experience working in energy markets, real estate development, land-use planning or environmental permitting, civil or electrical engineering, project finance, or other relevant field.
• Prior renewable energy or electric utility industry experience preferred, particularly solar or solar + storage.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Proven track record of quickly developing and maintaining positive relationships and effective communications with project stakeholders, including energy customers, government officials, utility representatives, and community members.
• Ability to understand, negotiate, and execute real estate contracts.
• Ability to understand and navigate interconnection studies and study processes.
• Ability to research and read ordinances, statutes, and regulations and understand how these apply to project development.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, land surveys, and title reports.
• Ability to use or to quickly learn to use research, GIS and database tools.
• Ability to articulate complex issues through succinct, cohesive summaries and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, organize, and synthesize diverse information relating to a project.
• Strong ability to manage multiple, interrelated tasks and adhere to deadlines.
• Working knowledge or demonstrated ability to quickly learn the various components of the Company's renewable energy and storage projects.
• Understanding of environmental laws and regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
• High energy, and ability to work well in a team environment with proven attention to detail.
• Ability to travel on a regular basis, and on short notice.
• Willingness to embrace and defend a culture of respect, communication, and accountability to thrive in a highly dynamic environment.