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We would love to welcome you to the team!
GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people and planet, creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community. We feel a huge responsibility to succeed at GreenSpark. As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, the planet, and profits (providing capital to grow, revenue to share among our employees, and a return to our investors). It is important work that directly impacts our employees and their families, our customers, and the residents of the communities where we do business, along with our local and broader global environment, but we have fun doing it.
Our Core Values
Believe in People
Keep it Real
Find Joy
Be a Leader
Work Together
We are seeking a Commercial Project Developer to join GreenSpark Solar's Commercial Development team! In this role, you'll lead commercial solar projects through the pre-construction development lifecycle, from initial concept through construction readiness. Working closely with internal teams, consultants, landowners, community stakeholders, and government agencies, you'll help advance projects by coordinating permitting, site control, preliminary design, and project economics.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong communicator who enjoys building relationships, solving complex challenges, and working collaboratively to bring clean energy projects to life.
Essential Job Functions & Key Responsibilities:
- Advance a portfolio of commercial solar projects through the development process by managing project schedules, deliverables, and due diligence activities.
- Develop permitting strategies and project timelines to efficiently move projects through the approval process.
- Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to obtain required permits and approvals, including SEQR, land use, DOT, wetland, and environmental permits.
- Represent GreenSpark at municipal board meetings, public hearings, and community meetings by confidently presenting project information and addressing stakeholder questions.
- Build and maintain relationships with landowners by securing land options and providing regular project updates.
- Manage consultant procurement, contracts, and deliverables, including civil engineering and environmental studies.
- Support the drafting, negotiation, and execution of project agreements, including land options, leases, PPAs, PILOTs, and Host Community Agreements.
- Monitor financial model inputs and collaborate with internal teams to support project financing and overall project viability.
- Apply critical thinking, creativity, and sound judgment to advance projects while aligning with GreenSpark's Core Values.
- Foster positive working relationships with project stakeholders, business partners, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
- Communicate technical and financial project information effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in regular team meetings and collaborate across departments to ensure project alignment and team success.
- Occasional travel and evening meetings are required.
Education & Qualifications:
- Two or more years of experience in solar development or a related field, including real estate, construction, engineering, planning, or community development, with a successful track record in project management.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and team collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
- Ability to effectively communicate technical and financial information to a variety of stakeholders.
- Experience with permitting, land acquisition, or renewable energy project development.
- Experience negotiating or supporting contracts such as land options, leases, PPAs, PILOTs, or Host Community Agreements.
- Experience presenting to municipal boards, public officials, or community stakeholders.
Perks & Benefits:
- Salary: $70,000-120,000+
- Level I - $70,000-$84,000
- Level II - $84,000 - $105,000
- Level III - $105,000 - $120,000+
- Weekly pay
- Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance
- Company-issued cell phone or reimbursement
- 401(k) profit sharing plan
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Flexible work schedule and hybrid work arrangements.
- Paid downtown parking and/or parking validation provided
- 3 weeks of vacation in your first year, followed by flexible paid time off moving forward.
- 12 days of paid sick leave
- 8 paid company-wide closure days
- Opportunities for professional growth through training and development programs
- Annual company retreat to foster team building and company culture
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and counseling services
- Pet-friendly work environment
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. Do not let historical barriers prevent you from jumping on this life-changing opportunity – reach out and ask questions if you have them – we are here!