Senior Project Developer - Community / DG Solar and BESS

Climate17 is proud to partner with an established solar developer and EPC with a strong track record delivering community solar and distributed generation projects across New York. With an expanding development pipeline and plans to enter additional Northeast markets, the business is looking to strengthen its development team with an experienced, commercially minded developer. This is an opportunity to join a growing platform where you will have meaningful ownership of projects from early-stage origination through development and Notice to Proceed.

Position: Senior Project Development Manager
Location: Rochester, NY / Northeast US
Travel: Regular travel to project sites, municipalities and stakeholder meetings; Rochester office attendance on a planned basis

As Senior Project Development Manager, you will take ownership of solar projects from origination through late-stage development and NTP. You will identify new opportunities, secure project sites through land acquisition, manage interconnection, permitting, environmental diligence and stakeholder relationships, and coordinate closely with EPC and engineering teams. With projects typically ranging from 5-25 MW, you will manage multiple projects while helping the business assess and enter new markets across the Northeast.

• Lead solar projects from origination and site identification through development and Notice to Proceed
• Identify and evaluate new project opportunities based on land availability, grid capacity, market conditions and development potential
• Negotiate and manage land acquisition agreements, easements, rights-of-way and associated real estate matters
• Lead utility interconnection activities, including applications, studies, milestones, upgrade requirements and utility relationships
• Manage zoning, permitting, environmental due diligence and municipal approvals
• Coordinate with EPC, engineering, environmental, legal and other external consultants to advance projects
• Maintain project schedules, budgets, risk assessments and executive reporting while managing multiple projects through development

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Planning, Real Estate, Project Management or a related discipline preferred
• 5+ years of experience in solar project development, renewable energy, land development or a related field
• Proven experience taking solar projects from origination through NTP or an equivalent late-stage development milestone
• Strong experience across land acquisition, utility interconnection, permitting, zoning and environmental development
• Community solar or distributed generation experience strongly preferred; utility-scale solar experience will also be considered
• Experience developing projects across multiple US markets, ideally within the Northeast or Eastern US
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with landowners, utilities, municipalities, consultants and internal teams

About Us Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.