Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware Career Overview

As a Wind Farm Development Coordinator, you play a vital role in the renewable energy sector, specifically in the growth and management of wind energy projects. Your responsibilities encompass a range of activities essential for the successful planning and execution of wind farm developments.

  • Project Management: You oversee various phases of wind farm projects, from initial feasibility studies to final construction. This involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including engineers, environmental specialists, and contractors.

  • Regulatory Compliance: You ensure that projects adhere to local, state, and federal regulations governing renewable energy. Your role includes navigating the permitting process, securing necessary approvals, and liaising with regulatory agencies.

  • Site Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of potential sites for wind farms is a critical part of your work. This includes evaluating wind resources, land use, and environmental impact to determine project viability.

  • Community Engagement: Building positive relationships with local communities is essential. You often conduct outreach efforts to inform and involve residents about the benefits and implications of developing wind energy projects.

  • Financial Analysis: Collaborating with financial analysts, you help develop budgeting and financing strategies for projects. Understanding the economic aspects of wind farm development is key to ensuring project viability.

  • Sustainability Initiatives: You champion practices that promote sustainability within the wind industry. This includes identifying ways to minimize environmental impact throughout all phases of the project.

Your role as a Wind Farm Development Coordinator is essential in transitioning toward cleaner energy sources, helping to combat climate change and promote energy independence.

Wind Farm Development Coordinator Salary in Delaware

Annual Median: $168,490
Hourly Median: $81

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware

To become a Wind Farm Development Coordinator, you will need to obtain specific educational qualifications and complete relevant training programs. Here are the recommended college degree programs:

  • Wind Energy Technology: This program focuses on the principles of wind energy generation, including the design, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines.

  • Environmental Science: A degree in environmental science provides a strong foundation in environmental systems and the impact of energy production on ecosystems, which is essential for developing sustainable wind farms.

  • Environmental Studies: This interdisciplinary approach focuses on the interaction of humans with the environment, covering topics that are relevant to land use, policy, and the social aspects of energy projects.

  • Renewable Energy Technology: This program emphasizes various renewable sources, including wind power, and covers engineering, economics, and the technology behind renewable energy systems.

  • Sustainable Energy Management: This course of study prepares you to manage energy resources efficiently, with an emphasis on sustainability and the integration of renewable energy sources into the energy grid.

In addition to formal education, you may benefit from internships or cooperative education experiences related to wind energy, which can provide firsthand insights into the development and operation of wind farms.

Best Schools to become a Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:26%
Graduation Rate:86%
Total Enrollment:26,420

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:11%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:45,307

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

In-State Tuition:$11,004
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,376
Admission Rate:81%
Graduation Rate:75%
Total Enrollment:39,585

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI

In-State Tuition:$9,273
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,904
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:48,956
Wind Farm Development Coordinator Job Description:
  • Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals.
  • May also manage construction of projects.

Wind Farm Development Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Delaware

  • Project Management: You need the ability to oversee multiple aspects of wind farm projects, from planning and execution to monitoring progress and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.

  • Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with wind energy technologies, including turbine systems and energy production metrics, is essential to guide development processes effectively.

  • Regulatory Understanding: You should have a strong grasp of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to wind energy development. This includes knowledge of permitting processes and environmental impact assessments.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are necessary to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, government officials, and the public.

  • Negotiation Skills: The capacity to negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, landowners, and regulatory agencies is vital to securing project success.

  • Analytical Skills: You must analyze data related to wind patterns, financial projections, and site assessments to make informed decisions regarding project feasibility.

  • Team Collaboration: Working well in a team environment is important, as you will interact with various departments, including engineering, construction, and finance.

  • Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges as they arise is essential to keep projects on track and within scope.

  • Financial Acumen: Understanding project financing, budgeting, and economic incentives specific to renewable energy will help you assess the viability of projects.

  • Environmental Awareness: Knowledge of ecological considerations and sustainability practices will assist you in implementing projects that minimize environmental impacts.

  • Adaptability: You should be flexible and able to adjust to changing project requirements, regulations, and technology advancements in the wind energy sector.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: The ability to build relationships with community members, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders is important for fostering support and addressing concerns.

  • Risk Management: Competence in identifying potential risks associated with development projects, and creating strategies to mitigate these risks, is crucial for success.

Develop these skills and competencies to excel as a Wind Farm Development Coordinator and contribute meaningfully to the growth of renewable energy in Delaware.

Job Duties for Wind Farm Development Coordinators

  • Coordinate or direct development, energy assessment, engineering, or construction activities to ensure that wind project needs and objectives are met.

  • Lead or support negotiations involving tax agreements or abatements, power purchase agreements, land use, or interconnection agreements.

  • Manage wind project costs to stay within budget limits.

Technologies and Skills Used by Wind Farm Development Coordinators

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Project management software

  • Microsoft Project
  • Oracle Primavera Systems

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Resource Management

  • Managing your time and the time of other people
  • Selecting and managing the best workers for a job

Job Market and Opportunities for Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware

The job market for Wind Farm Development Coordinators in Delaware is evolving as the state prioritizes renewable energy. Here are key points to consider regarding demand, growth potential, and geographical hotspots:

  • Current Demand: With the growing emphasis on clean energy solutions, Delaware is witnessing an increasing demand for professionals skilled in wind farm project coordination. This role is critical as companies and state agencies work to expand wind energy infrastructure.

  • Growth Potential:

    • The renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, is projected to grow significantly over the next decade.
    • As Delaware intensifies its efforts to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals, the need for development coordinators is likely to rise.
    • Legislative support for renewable energy initiatives further enhances the growth potential for this career path.
  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Coastal regions of Delaware, particularly near the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, are primary locations for wind farm development due to favorable wind conditions.
    • Areas such as Rehoboth Beach and Lewes are identified as key zones for offshore wind projects, propelling job opportunities for coordinators skilled in navigating both local and federal regulatory frameworks.
    • Additionally, the Wilmington metropolitan area is growing as a business hub, attracting companies specializing in renewable energy projects and offering increased opportunities for coordinators in project management and stakeholder engagement.

This landscape indicates a promising future for individuals pursuing a career as a Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware, characterized by rising demand and strategic growth opportunities.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware

  • American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
    This organization advocates for the wind industry in the United States, offering a wealth of information on policy, market trends, and technical advancements in wind energy.
    AWEA Website

  • U.S. Department of Energy - Wind Energy Technologies Office
    The DOE's Wind Energy Technologies Office provides access to research, statistics, and funding opportunities related to wind energy development in the U.S.
    DOE Wind Energy

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
    NREL conducts research on renewable energy and provides valuable insights into the technical aspects of wind energy, including project development and resource mapping.
    NREL Wind Research

  • Wind Energy Foundation
    This nonprofit organization works to increase public understanding of wind energy's benefits and impacts, offering resources for educating the community.
    Wind Energy Foundation

  • Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
    The DNREC oversees energy policy in Delaware, including wind development initiatives and regulatory frameworks. Their website provides information on state-specific permits.
    DNREC Energy Overview

  • The Wind Coalition
    This organization promotes wind energy throughout the U.S., providing resources for project developers and stakeholders in the wind energy sector.
    The Wind Coalition

  • The Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP)
    REPP focuses on analysis and research related to renewable energy policies, offering reports and publications beneficial to wind farm developers.
    REPP Website

  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - Wind Energy Community
    This community within SWE focuses on supporting women in wind energy careers, providing networking, mentorship, and resources.
    SWE Wind Energy Community

  • How Wind Turbines Work - Energy Education
    This resource offers detailed explanations of wind turbine technology, crucial for understanding the technicalities of wind farm development.
    Energy Education - Wind Turbines

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Wind Energy
    ASCE provides guidelines, standards, and educational resources related to the engineering aspects of wind energy projects.
    ASCE Wind Energy Resources

  • LinkedIn Groups for Wind Energy Professionals
    Join groups focused on wind energy for networking opportunities, discussions, and job postings relevant to wind farm development coordinators.
    LinkedIn Groups (search for “Wind Energy”)

Utilizing these resources will enhance your knowledge and improve your skills in the field of wind farm development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wind Farm Development Coordinator in Delaware

  • What does a Wind Farm Development Coordinator do?
    You will oversee the planning, development, and execution of wind energy projects. This includes securing permits, coordinating between stakeholders, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations.

  • What qualifications are needed to become a Wind Farm Development Coordinator?
    Typically, you should have a bachelor’s degree in fields like environmental science, engineering, or project management. Experience in renewable energy projects is highly beneficial.

  • What skills are important for this role?
    Key skills include project management, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and an understanding of environmental regulations and energy policies.

  • What is the job outlook for Wind Farm Development Coordinators in Delaware?
    With the emphasis on renewable energy, the demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow. Increased investment in wind energy projects suggests a positive job outlook in Delaware.

  • Can I work remotely as a Wind Farm Development Coordinator?
    While some aspects of the job may allow for remote work, you will often need to be onsite for project management, stakeholder meetings, and inspections.

  • What are the typical working hours for this position?
    You may work standard business hours, but flexibility is often required depending on project deadlines, stakeholder meetings, and site visits.

  • Is travel a part of this job?
    Yes, you may need to travel to wind farm sites, attend meetings, or collaborate with other teams, both within and outside Delaware.

  • What are the challenges faced in this role?
    You may encounter challenges such as regulatory hurdles, community opposition, environmental concerns, and the complexities of managing multiple stakeholders.

  • How can I advance my career as a Wind Farm Development Coordinator?
    Gaining additional certifications in project management or renewable energy can enhance your qualifications. Building a strong professional network in the renewable energy sector can also provide advancement opportunities.

  • Are there professional organizations for Wind Farm Development Coordinators?
    Yes, organizations like the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) offer resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for those in the industry.