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The Jr. Renewable Energy Project Developer- Distributed Generation supports the advancement of assigned solar development projects after site control has been secured by the Land team. Working under the guidance of senior development team members, this position assists with project coordination, landowner and stakeholder communications, permitting, interconnection, environmental diligence, consultant coordination, incentive program tracking, and development budgeting.

The Jr. Renewable Energy Project Developer- Distributed Generation works closely with internal and external subject matter experts across engineering, interconnection, legal, real estate, finance, and commercial teams to help move projects toward technical feasibility, economic viability, required approvals, and construction readiness.

We are open to remote work for qualified candidates, though hybrid is preferred for candidates located near one of our four offices: Boulder, CO; Roseville, MN; Annapolis, MD; or Horseheads, NY. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support distributed solar projects from early-stage development through construction readiness, assisting with project coordination, milestone tracking, and communication across internal teams.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project schedules, budgets, risk logs, action trackers, and development milestone updates.
• Coordinate with internal teams including engineering, interconnection, environmental, legal, real estate, and finance functions to gather inputs and support timely project advancement.
• Help identify development risks, document issues, and escalate concerns to senior team members with recommended next steps.
• Research and track applicable state incentive programs, community solar programs, distributed generation frameworks, and policy-driven market requirements to support project strategy and decision-making.
• Prepare draft materials, status updates, and supporting documentation for internal approvals, development milestones, and investment decisions.

• Monitor evolving program rules, incentive structures, queue reforms, and market conditions and summarize key implications for project development strategies.

• Assist in maintaining positive relationships with project stakeholders including landowners, municipalities, utilities, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community organizations.
• Support real estate activities including obtaining easements, access agreements, title curatives, and other land rights considerations.
• Coordinate studies including wetlands, endangered species, cultural resources, geotechnical, stormwater, and other required investigations.

• Support land use permitting, zoning approvals, environmental permits, stormwater permits, and other required authorizations by coordinating application materials, tracking deadlines, and following up with consultants and agencies.

• Assist with preparation for planning board, zoning board, permitting authority, and public agency meetings, including drafting materials and supporting responses to community questions.

• Ensure compliance with permit conditions and regulatory obligations.

• Support the utility interconnection process from initial application through execution of an interconnection agreement under the direction of senior development and technical team members.
• Coordinate interconnection submissions with internal engineers and external consultants.
• Track interconnection milestones, study timelines, cost estimates, and related documentation to support commercially viable project outcomes.

• Support project financing efforts by gathering diligence materials and coordinating responses to lender, investor, or buyer information requests.
• Assist with project M&A and portfolio transaction activities as assigned.
• Maintain organized project documentation, trackers, and data rooms to support financing, investment, and development processes.
• Various other projects as needed or assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• No degree required; minimum of two years of relevant experience in renewable energy, real estate, project development, permitting, environmental review, engineering, finance, or a related field.
• Relevant internship, coursework, or professional experience in renewable energy, real estate, project development, permitting, environmental review, engineering, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, external consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Ability to take and follow directions, ask thoughtful questions, learn quickly, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project sites and stakeholder meetings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred

• Exposure to community solar, distributed generation, renewable energy development, or clean energy policy.
• Familiarity with utility distribution interconnection concepts or willingness to learn utility interconnection processes.
• Exposure to local government, planning, zoning, permitting, or public agency processes.
• Interest in project finance, project economics, renewable energy transactions, or clean energy markets.
• GIS and site-screening experience.
• Understanding of environmental permitting and land-use regulations.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. 

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $60,000-100,000 encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity, excluding commission. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions . As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments . Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers .

But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do . Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority .

At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together . With over 250 projects across the U.S. , our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path .

Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future .

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com