Development Project Coordinator - Portland

The Company

First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind energy projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has developed and currently operates wind energy projects in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii.  First Wind is committed to the communities it works with to achieve the most efficient and economic wind generation projects in North America. 

Job Purpose

In this role, you will assist and support our development team with all aspects of the wind development process.   You will work closely with the development team and interface with state and local government agencies, community representatives, planning boards and land owners.   You will also work extensively with internal departments such as Legal, Wind Resources, Environmental Affairs, External Affairs, Construction, Engineering and Finance throughout the development lifecycle.   

Principal Responsibilities

• ·         Assist with all outreach activities and represent First Wind at various public and stakeholder meetings and conferences.
• ·         Develop and maintain positive relationships and represent First Wind with community leaders, citizens, and project stakeholders, including neighborhood boards, community associations, schools, business associations, environmental groups, and the US military.
• ·         Assist with communication to local communities on development and construction activities and issues.
• ·         Support all aspects of project financing including gathering information from internal and external subject matter experts, uploading documents into data rooms and providing weekly coordination support for project financings.
• ·         Perform site research to include land survey data, permit requirements, local/state ordinances, taxes, legal issues, etc. 
• ·         Coordinate compliance with Environmental Affairs team for permitting requirements such as wildlife and impact studies. 
• ·         Work with Wind Resources to support installation of MET towers and perform a thorough site assessment for wind energy.   This includes collection of wind data, turbine layout, geographical analysis and turbine design recommendations. 
• ·         Work with the engineering and construction teams to assist in project scoping, budgeting and management.    
• ·         Provide development support in order to advance the project to various stages.      This includes compiling and organizing data for presentation to the risk committee to assess its value to the organization as the project progresses.  
• ·         Begin to identify sites and start development process as the lead.

Qualifications

• ·         Bachelor’s degree required.
• ·         3 year Minimum managing multiple development projects in a planning, environmental, legal, finance or engineering capacity. 
• ·         3-5 years of experience preferred. 
• ·         Clean/Renewable Energy Experience Preferred. 
• ·         Financial analysis and budgeting skills, formal project management training and skills or policy analysis experience. 
• ·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills including demonstrated public speaking ability
• ·         Ability to create forms, letters and fundamental spreadsheets using MS Word and Excel.   Ability to create presentations in Power Point.  Ability to perform internet based research.   
• ·         Self-motivated with ability to work in a team and independently. 
• ·         Safe driving record and own transportation, valid driver’s license.
• ·         Must be able to walk over undeveloped land unassisted, travel unassisted and sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• ·         Must be able to work evenings and weekends to attend meetings and community events.    
• ·         40-50% travel in region will be required during business hours in support of the position responsibilities.