About the Role
GreenSpark Solar is seeking an experienced and proactive Project Developer to join our Commercial Origination team. In this role, you will lead the development and project approval process for a select portfolio of commercial solar projects, advancing them from origination through financial closing and securing notices to proceed. You will collaborate with internal teams and serve as the main point of contact with external development partners, land hosts, and jurisdictional authorities.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of commercial solar projects from origination to notice to proceed, managing key tasks such as environmental due diligence, preliminary design, permitting approvals, and incentive applications.
- Review and interpret local, state, and federal regulations to create effective project development roadmaps and schedules.
- Secure all necessary local, state, and federal approvals and reviews, including SEQR, zoning permits, DOT permits, wetland permits, and others as required.
- Represent GreenSpark Solar at municipal board meetings, public hearings, and other community meetings.
- Support the Site Acquisition Manager in maintaining effective communication with land hosts throughout the project development process.
- Assist in drafting, negotiating, and executing lease agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, and Host Community Agreements.
- Work with the Development Manager to refine financial model inputs to secure successful project financing.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with project stakeholders, partners, and jurisdictional authorities.
- Participate in regular team meetings and virtual collaboration spaces.
- Occasional travel may be required; some evening work will be necessary.
- Dedicate 20% of your time to generating value, innovation, and contributing positively to the community.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years in solar development or 8 years in a related field such as real estate, construction, or engineering, with a proven track record in project management.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and tasks effectively.
- A firm commitment to GreenSpark’s purpose and core values, with a passion for using solar energy to make a positive impact.
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel
- Proficiency in Google Suite
- Proficiency in team-based work management platforms (e.g., Smartsheets, Slack)
Location
- Greater Rochester Community
Work Type
- Hybrid work arrangements
Experience Level
- Minimum of 5 years in solar development
- 8 years in a related field such as real estate, construction, or engineering
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Advanced degree preferred
Salary/Compensations
- $60,000 - $90,000
Benefits
- Weekly pay
- Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance
- 401(k) profit sharing plan
- Comprehensive Medical & Dental Insurance
- GreenSpark covers 75% of health insurance premiums, health deductible expenses, and dental premiums for both employees and their families
- Flexible work schedule
- Three weeks (120 hours) of vacation time
- Flexible paid time off (PTO) after the first year
- 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave
- Eight paid company-wide closure days
- Wellness Week: Enjoy a paid collective week off for the entire company
- Company-issued cell phone or reimbursement
- Opportunities for professional growth through training and development programs
- Annual company retreat
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet-friendly work environment
About the Company
- GreenSpark Solar creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community.
- As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, planet, and profits.
- Our values are reflected in our workplace — our office is directly powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, our fleet includes all electric and hybrid vehicles, dogs roam the office, and we strive to be an unabashedly inclusive, diverse workplace.
Equal Opportunity
- GreenSpark Solar is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
- We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and seek to remove barriers and increase opportunities, access, and advancement for all people.
