Increased environmental consciousness and a drive towards greener living are working wonders for the renewable energy sector. Available vacancies are booming, especially for entry-level candidates. Now is the perfect time to kick-start a career in the wind turbine industry.
The significant growth in the renewable energy sector and the global shift towards more sustainable energy sources have diversified job opportunities, especially for those aiming to become a renewable energy project manager shortly.
There’s a high demand for candidates seeking a job in the energy industry. Let’s delve deeper into this career path and how it could evolve into a fulfilling, engaging, and impactful line of work.
Renewable Energy Sector: What’s It All About?
Any energy considered green and renewable refers to naturally replenishable resources like wind, rain, and sunlight. These energy sources are bountiful and easy on the planet. With more emphasis on green, renewable resources such as these, it naturally puts less pressure on fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels will run out eventually, so the world needs an alternative way of creating and restoring energy. This not only reduces reliance on these finite fuels, but it will also positively impact climate change and minimize emissions.
“Unlike a decade or two ago, renewable energy is now much more accessible and affordable.”
The renewable energy sector aims to address issues and create actionable methods to generate energy from the world’s natural resources. It’s clear to see why wind turbine career prospects are abundant.
There’s a high demand for knowledge and strategic thinking regarding renewable energy resources.
Renewable Energy Advancements
Thanks to revolutionary technology, renewable energy has been catapulted to success in helping the environment. Green energy sources are only possible thanks to innovative solutions such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric power.
Energy sources on a vast scale are challenging to come by. Still, these transformations in technology have created so many job roles in the industry. That is, they have enhanced the way renewable energy is used on a day-to-day basis.
Unlike a decade or two ago, renewable energy is now much more accessible and affordable. Homeowners and business owners can install solar panels in their establishments. This means that more and more electricity is generated via a renewable energy source. Wind turbines and solar panels have also evolved incredibly.
The Evolution of Wind Turbines
There has never been a more exciting and pivotal time to get involved in the wind turbine industry. Not only can this lead to more significant opportunities in the future in terms of renewable project management, but it also puts you at the heart of one of the most significant renewable energy resources of the modern day.
Today, wind turbines have taller towers and lengthier blades, so they can utilize more wind energy. Offshore wind farms are one of the most up-and-coming solutions that create wind energy on a large scale.
Offshore wind farms harness power from winds across the ocean and generate vast amounts of electricity.
So, what’s another benefit of offshore wind farms?
Local economies are extensively restored, and numerous new employment opportunities are created.
“There has never been a better chance of landing a job in renewable energy than right now.”
There is still a lot of scope for the development of wind turbines. Demand for research and development in the green energy industry, especially in the wind turbine sector, is higher than ever. Engineers and scientists are hard at work, and further advancements still need to be made.
Experimenting with innovative designs, methods, and materials, there is a chance to create an even more reliable, cost-effective, systematic, and green renewable energy system that benefits local communities.
Renewable Energy Employment: The Growth Era
It’s no secret that the green energy industry is going through a real era of growth. The United States is a specific hotspot for employment opportunities in this division. More precisely, there has never been a better chance of landing a job in renewable energy than right now.
Forward-thinking environmental policies now govern numerous US states, so renewable energy jobs are abundant. California is worth noting as a state that has magnetized many companies specializing in renewable energy, creating a booming job market.
It takes a village to contribute to positive steps forward in improving wind turbines and offshore energy projects. Renewable project managers are highly sought after as new construction projects quickly progress across most of the US.
Thousands of new jobs are about to be created in the wind energy sector according to the U.S Department of Energy. They have announced a potential of 86,000 MW of offshore projects in the next twenty-five years. More wind farms mean more job opportunities, from project developers to engineers.
Having federal approval makes a huge difference for these wind turbine projects. It makes this line of work much more desirable. In addition, it instills a sense of legitimacy and security that some other similar career paths may not carry.
Responsibilities of a Wind Energy Project Manager
When working as a renewable project manager in the wind turbine sector, there are several goals you’ll continually be working towards:
- Assuring quality and high standards across the board
- Sticking to the agreed project schedule
- Remaining within the outlined budget
- Managing the overall construction of the wind energy project
- Communicating with the relevant stakeholders
Project managers need in-depth knowledge of the wind turbine industry to ensure these goals are met. While keeping all of the environmental objectives in mind, a project manager must also manage expectations concerning timelines and financial expenditure.
Meeting all of these requirements requires multitasking, excellent communication, knowledge of sites, environmental know-how and transportation experience. This is why starting out in an entry-level wind turbine career can serve you well initially and provide you with invaluable experience.
“Experience is usually the best way to impress as a renewable project manager.”
It’s clear how a wind turbine career can naturally progress into a project management role, as this base knowledge is indispensable in this type of job role. Through each phase of a project, the manager will supervise and oversee all elements from site selection, part transportation and on-site construction.
Having on-site knowledge will also help with negotiations, agreements and budgeting. By this way, it is much more likely to have a fruitful outcome in the end.
Skills, Qualifications and Education: What is Required?
If your end goal is to become a renewable project manager, you will usually need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or something similar. In some cases, higher levels of education may be needed. However, experience is usually the best way to impress as a renewable project manager.
As well as having in-depth technical knowledge on renewable energy, there are also several other soft skills that are vital for this type of role. All of these skills are transferable skills that will be picked up in an entry level job as you work you way through your career:
Communication: Keeping all stakeholders informed of project progress is vital, as well as ensuring everyone is being fed honest information.
Organization: High levels of organization will ensure that all the moving parts of the project are completed smoothly without any unnecessary hold ups
Time Management: Sticking to a schedule is key, as delays can be extremely expensive to rectify. Sticking to deadlines and encouraging the team to stay motivated is all part of a project management job.
Listening and Liaising: There are a lot of people to keep happy during a project of this scale. In other words, it’s important to have excellent listening skills. Being able to manage conflict and liaise effectively with all parties is also vital
Leadership: As a project manager you’re leading everyone towards the final goal; without your guidance the project would come to a halt.
In order to enhance these skills it’s highly recommended to spend actual time on site so that the technical know-how and the soft skills can marry together and create the ideal balance.
Financial Benefits of Renewable Project Manager Roles
As you gradually advance through your career in the renewable energy sector, you’ll start to see a significant increase in the salaries on offer.
“Earning potential in a renewable project management role is substantial if this is your career goal for the next 5 to 10 years.”
A project manager in the wind sector would generally fall into the six-figure salary category, earning between $100k to $150k per year in some US states.
With bigger and more challenging projects on the horizon the salary commands will only rise in accordance to demand.
This means that earning potential in a renewable project management role is substantial if this is your career goal for the next five to ten years. A career move to the renewable energy sector is a smart one!
Final Thoughts
Applying for a role in the wind energy sector couldn’t be simpler, especially when you have all the relevant knowledge of renewable energy and green resources.
Once you have become well-established in your role, you can aim towards any renewal project management opportunities that may present themselves. Career progression in this sector is extremely promising, and the future is bright for the renewable energy industry.
