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Renewable Energy Development Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

PRC Wind

Vice President, Engineering

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$187K - $242K/yr

PRC Wind is an independent renewable energy development company with more than 25 years of success and a strong reputation for community-based development. We develop wind, solar, battery storage ...

PRC Wind

Vice President, Engineering

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$187K - $242K/yr

PRC Wind is an independent renewable energy development company with more than 25 years of success and a strong reputation for community-based development. We develop wind, solar, battery storage ...

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All JobsRenewable Energy Development JobsRenewable Energy Development Jobs in Minnesota

Renewable Energy Development information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.2K

$92.1K

$155.2K

How much do renewable energy development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for renewable energy development in Minnesota is $92,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Renewable Energy Development vs Renewable Energy Project Management?

AspectRenewable Energy DevelopmentRenewable Energy Project Management
CredentialsEngineering, environmental science, or related degrees; certifications like PMP or PMI-ACP beneficialProject management certifications (PMP), engineering or technical background often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site assessments, feasibility studies, collaboration with engineers and stakeholdersOffice-based planning, scheduling, overseeing project execution, coordinating teams
Employer & Industry UsageRenewable energy firms, developers, consulting companiesProject owners, developers, EPC contractors within renewable energy sector

Renewable Energy Development focuses on identifying, planning, and designing new renewable energy projects, including site assessment and permitting. Renewable Energy Project Management involves overseeing the execution, scheduling, and completion of these projects. Both roles are essential and often collaborate but differ mainly in their focus on planning versus execution.

What is the highest paying job in renewable energy?

The highest paying jobs in renewable energy are often senior engineering roles such as Renewable Energy Project Managers, Solar or Wind Energy Directors, and Chief Sustainability Officers, which typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in large companies or with additional certifications like PMP or PE licenses.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in renewable energy development, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in renewable energy development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting processes, securing project financing, and managing stakeholder expectations. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with regulatory agencies, employing financial modeling and risk assessment, and maintaining transparent communication with community members and partners. Success in this role requires adaptability, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are careers in renewable energy?

Careers in renewable energy include roles such as renewable energy engineer, project manager, technician, and analyst, focusing on the development, installation, and maintenance of sustainable energy systems like solar, wind, and hydro power. These jobs often require technical skills, knowledge of energy systems, and relevant certifications or degrees in engineering, environmental science, or related fields.

What do renewable energy developers do?

Renewable energy developers plan, design, and oversee projects that generate energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. They conduct site assessments, secure permits, coordinate with engineers and contractors, and manage project timelines and budgets to ensure successful implementation.

How much does a renewable energy project developer make?

A renewable energy project developer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project size. Senior developers or those with specialized skills can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits related to project success.

What is renewable energy development?

Renewable energy development refers to the process of planning, designing, financing, constructing, and operating projects that generate energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Professionals in this field work to bring clean energy projects from concept to reality, often navigating regulatory, environmental, and financial challenges. The goal is to increase the use of sustainable energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Renewable Energy Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Renewable Energy Development, you need a strong background in engineering, project management, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as PMP or LEED. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, GIS, and energy modeling tools is commonly required, along with knowledge of regulatory compliance systems. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help professionals navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure successful project execution, regulatory adherence, and the ability to drive sustainable energy solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Renewable Energy Development jobs in Minnesota? For Renewable Energy Development jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Renewable Energy Development jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Renewable Energy Development jobs in Minnesota are:
Renewable Energy Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Renewable Energy Development job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,100 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Renewable Energy Permitting Lead

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 439 rated engineering

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Renewable Energy Permitting Lead
Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
Serve as a Senior Permitting Lead for renewable energy and transmission projects. The key focus of this position will be business development for utility and renewable energy developers and requires that the applicant bring clients to Westwood. The position also requires management of permitting efforts for renewable energy generation and transmission projects.
Requirements
  • Lead site and route permitting for utility-scale renewable energy and high-voltage transmission projects, with a primary focus on Midwest regulatory processes including PSC, MPUC, MPSC, ND PSC, and OPSB approvals.
  • Manage and prepare state-level site, route, and construction permit applications for wind, solar, energy storage, and transmission projects, including collocated and data center-related developments.
  • Direct environmental reviews under NEPA and equivalent state programs, oversee environmental and cultural resource investigations, and coordinate associated federal, state, and local regulatory approvals.
  • Serve as the primary client and agency liaison, representing clients at public hearings and meetings, providing testimony, and maintaining direct communication with regulatory agencies.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams by coordinating design professionals, subject matter experts, and internal staff, while mentoring junior team members and ensuring quality, schedule, and budget performance.
  • Collaborate with market and service leaders to pursue new work, develop scopes, budgets, and proposals, and support marketing efforts for permitting, environmental, and related consulting services.
  • Build and maintain industry relationships to monitor renewable energy and transmission market trends, regulatory initiatives, and evolving permitting requirements.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of renewable energy and HVTL transmission line project permitting, federal and state environmental studies, agency guidelines for energy development.
  • Experience and knowledge of key energy-producing-state regulatory processes, energy developer and utility operating procedures, industry trends and regulatory initiatives.
  • Approximately 10-15 years of experience in federal, state and local energy facility permitting, permitting processes, and associated environmental studies.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state regulatory structures, existing renewable energy and HVTL transmission projects and key developers in these markets and industries.
  • Proficiency in technical writing including proposals, subject matter reports and permit applications.
  • Proficiency with business development and client tracking software, such as Vision.
  • Proficiency with project management, budgeting, invoicing, and cost-tracking, including multiple-service projects and cost management.
  • Effective written and verbal communication is necessary and independent judgment is essential.
  • Mentor and coach permitting and environmental staff on technical writing, agency coordination, regulatory approval processes, and client engagement.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, policy/permitting, earth sciences, engineering or related field (Master's Degree preferred).
  • Experience with state-level route and site permits in multiple states, federal NEPA process including EA and EIS, and equivalent state-level environmental review processes.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.
We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary Description
$85,000-130,000

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