Jobs in Wind
Planning & Sustainability
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Designs and plans the integration of electricity produced by wind farms into the electrical grid.
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Studies local and national development plans, guidelines and liaises with the local planning authorities. Takes the lead on preparing the planning application for a proposed wind farm.
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Scientists who study rocks, minerals, fossils and other geological materials. They have an important role in developing wind farms as they examine the soil and terrain for the proposed site.
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Scientists who specialise in the study of birds, which includes their behaviour, ecology and conservation. They survey a proposed wind farm site and assess the risk for any potential impacts on birds.
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They investigate sites and landscapes to identify the risk of any potential impact from a proposed wind farm on local archaeology or sites of historical significance.
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Surveys the site and assess any potential environmental impacts. They plan, conduct and supervise ecological surveys and fieldwork. They work to make sure the development of a wind farm has the minimal possible impact on the local environment.
People in Wind: Heather – Ecologist & Aerial Surveyor
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Assesses the risk that the development of a wind farm could affect local wildlife and develops strategies to protect local birds and animals.
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Assesses the potential impact of wind turbines on local plant populations and develops strategies to protect them.
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Scientist who studies ocean, water and marine environments and how fish, marine mammals and other marine life interact within them.
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Works with wind energy companies to restore and enhance natural habitats, particularly wetlands, that may have been affected by wind turbine construction.
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Conducts environmental monitoring during the construction and operation of on or offshore wind energy projects. They work out the best way to ensure the environment is protected and the project delivered in a sustainable way.
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As part of getting planning permission for a wind farm the project will normally have a number of environmental conditions and need a Habitat Management Plan. An Environmental Advisor works closely with civil, mechanical and electrical engineers and other specialists to ensure these conditions and plans are delivered.
People in Wind: Carmel – Environmental Advisor
Engineering & Technology
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Tests, analyses and measures wind efficiency and suggest ways to improve energy production.
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Works on the electronic systems used to operate and monitor the turbine. They ensure the turbines can be operated remotely.
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Designs and plans large infrastructure projects, such as wind farm foundations, access roads, and crane paths and pads.
People in Wind: Brian – Civil Engineer · Eoin – Civil Engineer / Offshore Manager
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A specialised type of engineer who works specifically on the design and analysis of wind turbine structures. Wind turbines are complex machines that must be built in the most sustainable and efficient way possible.
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Conduct studies to identify the most appropriate locations for wind turbines, analysing data on wind speeds and patterns, designing and testing wind turbine components.
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Responsible for service and maintenance work on all wind turbines and associated hydraulic and mechanical equipment.
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Forms an integral part of the construction and operations phases and is typically required to oversee and report on all the electrical operational, installation and safety requirements for the project.
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Specialises in the design and installation of cables, on land or subsea for offshore wind farms, ensuring reliable and efficient power transmission.
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Conducts geotechnical investigations and assessments to ensure the stability and integrity of foundations for offshore wind turbines.
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Manages noise and vibration impacts from wind turbines and works to minimise potential disturbances.
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Maintains, repairs and replaces systems and components. They identify and resolve technical problems and make sure the turbine is working properly.
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Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to help select the best sites for wind farm development.
Policy & Legal
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Some solicitors specialise in the energy business and work with power companies, utilities and energy producers. Much of their work involves making sure the proper laws and regulations are followed. They can advise developers, regulators or investors on the development and operation of energy projects.
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Engages with policymakers and advocates for policies and regulations that support and promote the growth of the wind energy sector and sustainability goals.
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Leads and directs the routine functions of the Human Resources department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.
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Coordinates and tracks compliance with environmental permits and regulations, ensuring wind energy projects meet required standards.
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Utilises advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to analyse wind energy data and optimise performance, efficiency and predictive maintenance.
People in Wind: Kyro – Data Engineer
Business & Finance
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Specialises in managing and analysing financial records and transactions for individuals, businesses and organisations.
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Someone who specialises in creating and building financial models to analyse and forecast the financial performance of a wind farm.
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Someone who looks at investment opportunities in the wind energy sector, assesses financial viability, and provides recommendations for sustainable investment decisions.
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Has overall responsibility for managing the daily administrative and reporting functions during the construction and operations and maintenance phases of the project.
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Drive the promotion and sale of wind turbines, ensuring customer satisfaction and contributing to the company's growth in the renewable energy sector.
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Negotiates and manages Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) between wind energy projects and electricity buyers. A PPA is a long-term contract between an electricity generator and a customer.
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Optimises sourcing, transportation and logistics to minimise environmental impact in wind energy projects.
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Manages the purchasing process for goods and services from suppliers for wind farm development. Their primary role is to ensure that the organisation has a reliable supply chain that meets its needs at the best possible cost, quality and delivery time.
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Has overall responsibility for identifying potential project risks, conducting risk analyses and preparing and implementing risk management plans for project policies and procedures.
People & Communications
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Responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies and managing media relations for an organisation or a wind energy project.
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Works with the local community on behalf of the developer to answer questions on the proposed project. Can focus on specific audiences, like the fishing community, or be more general. Supplies information and give opportunities to engage.
People in Wind: John - CLO
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Delivers educational programs to promote renewable wind energy and sustainability practices.
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Uses social media platforms and strategies to effectively communicate, engage, and promote brands, organisations, products or services.
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They ensure that the safety and health risks arising from work activities are properly managed. They must control the key risk areas for employees, customers and the public who may be affected by what they do in the workplace.
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Managing day-to-day business of wind farms, including maintenance, monitoring, optimisation of turbines, and adherence to environmental and sustainability standards.
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Oversees the construction of the wind farm from site selection to the final installation of turbines. They coordinate the construction of a wind project, directing and coordinating activities ensuring that the project is complete on schedule and within budget.
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In this role, the person is a link between the offshore wind project and members of the local fishing community. They will be required to feed back to the project concerns of fishers and try to alleviate these. They can also be involved in observation studies of fishing to get an understanding of what activities take place in the area.
What’s a job in wind really like?
Read the real stories from People in Wind: their daily routines, their career ups and downs, and how they got to where they are today.
