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Wind Farm Construction Manager

Wind power, which is one of the most renewable energy sources known to man, is harnessed through wind turbines in wind farms. When fully operational, wind farms can significantly contribute to electricity generation while lessening man's carbon footprints on Earth.

The career outlook for a wind farm construction manager is very good. They make on average $60 to $80 thousand a year.

Green Job

Wind turbines convert wind into a useful form of electricity like electricity with negligible fuel costs from construction to operation, not to mention comparatively low maintenance costs. By most estimates, wind power is second only to solar power in terms of eco-friendliness. In fact, it is generally accepted that the wind power available for harnessing as useful energy exceeds current global energy consumption. Indeed, it is as green as it can be provided that practical means can be discovered to maximize its potential.

Job Description

As construction manager, responsibilities may include the following:

o Overall management of project site activities.
o Ensure smooth coordination between project site personnel and various external entities and internal groups.
o Develop and comply with operating budgets, construction schedules, purchasing timelines and other plans to ensure on-time delivery of units.
o Act as primary liaison officer with various landowners including management of contractual obligations.
o Manage construction, repair, maintenance and operations of the wind turbines and its support facilities.
o Provide regular update reports on the construction progress including status on commissions and contracts.
o Ensure proper documentation on project activities from construction to operations.

Specific responsibilities will vary from one company to the next. However, the construction manager must be able to effectively and efficiently manage the project site, from personnel to production activities.

The compensation for the job varies although a median of $80,000 per year can be expected. Relocation and retirement benefits as well as other employee benefits during employment also vary. The industry, however, is generally known to be a generous employer with low employee turnover.

Office hours usually fall on Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM. It must be emphasized, however, that field work and overtimes will often be part of the job hours as wind farms are spread out over a larger area.

Job Qualifications

Since a construction manager involves middle management functions, job qualifications are relatively high. Applicants must possess at least a four-year degree course in a related field and minimum of 5 years supervisory and/or managerial experience in power project construction preferably in wind power. Some companies may require a master's and/or doctoral degree from applicants.

Along with professional qualifications, highly desired personal attributes include good communication and negotiation skills, effective planning skills, excellent information technology skills, ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure as well as the ability to work well with teammates and third parties. As can be expected, training is often acquired on the job. Also, companies may offer in-house training for human resources development aimed at broadening and deepening knowledge of the wind power industry.

If you possess all the necessary qualifications and personal characteristics as well as a love for Mother Nature, then a career as a construction manager for a wind farm can be in your future.