Natural Forces Solar - Solar Project Developer

Natural Forces Solar is a dynamic turnkey development, engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance company in the renewable energy sector. Based in Dartmouth, NS, Natural Forces Solar provides innovative, robust, and cost-effective renewable energy systems to clients across Canada.

Who We Are Looking For:

Natural Forces Solar is seeking a candidate to fill the role of Solar Project Developer to lead the development of various solar energy projects across the Maritimes. This is a full-time position to be based in Halifax, NS.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Solar Project Developer's primary responsibilities vary at different times and will include:

• Initial site finding
• Design & cost estimates
• Land acquisition
• Electrical interconnection process management
• Environmental and municipal permitting
• Stakeholder consultation, engagement and relationship management
• An overall responsibility to bring community scale (2-15 MW) solar projects to a shovel-ready stage.

Key Tasks & Duties

Project Management

• Lead the project development phase of community scale solar projects from project inception to development completion;
• Manage project development budgets and timelines; and,
• Liaise with senior management to understand key project development tasks and priorities.

Site Origination

• Identify and understand existing regulations and zoning policies for community scale solar projects;
• Identify PIDs that are potentially viable for solar projects in target areas across Nova Scotia;
• Research land ownership and use various outreach methods (door knocking primarily) to connect with landowners to pitch them on leasing their land for our solar projects; and
• Negotiate and execute land options and land lease agreements with landowners.

Consultation & Engagement

• Secure, build, and maintain relationships with all key project stakeholders including landowners, local government officials, electrical utilities, regulators, and community members;
• Execute project-specific stakeholder engagement plans; and,
• Present project proposals to local town officials, economic development groups, local environmental associations, and other key stakeholder groups.
• Manage the permitting and approvals process for community scale solar projects, including the contracting of 3rd party environmental and engineering consultants;

Project Development

• Understand and manage the interconnection process for all projects. Build and maintain relationships with the local utility interconnection team;
• Manage project land lease agreements and other required real property legal instruments;
• Work with senior management in the development of project financial models;
• Work with business development team on grant applications;
• Work with construction team on project execution plans;
• Manage and directly contribute to the preparation of Community Solar applications.

Experience & Requirements

• Passion for renewable energy
• Educational background in sciences, environmental studies, engineering, resource management or other related fields.
• Min. 2 years of experience in a related field.
• Experience with public engagement in both group and 1-on-1 settings.
• Confident relationship builder and in public engagement settings.
• Experience with project management activities.
• Ability to work independently will be essential to the position.
• Must be self-motivated and a self-starter.
• Must be willing to work primarily from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (flexible working arrangement available) and across the Atlantic Provinces as required.

Other

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to our clean energy mission. Natural Forces provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement. We celebrate diversity and commit to an inclusive environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Natural Forces Solar we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.