Project Development Associate

About ESA 

ESA is a prominent clean energy development and decarbonization platform. Over the past decade, ESA has successfully transacted over 6 GW of operating solar energy projects and pre-construction development assets. Our diverse portfolio spans a broad array of asset classes, including installations at corporate headquarters, commercial and industrial facilities, community solar portfolios, and multi-100 MW utility-scale solar projects. ESA's influence extends across 22 states, where projects have interconnected with 27 distinct utilities. ESA operates with the freedom and flexibility inherent in a privately owned and managed organization.  

In 2023 alone, ESA was awarded the prestigious Best Place to Work by Orlando Business Journal and the #1 Solar Developer in Florida by Solar Power World Magazine. 

We believe in a culture of teamwork and collaboration to collectively achieve our goals. Our employees are the foundation of our brand and success. Be a part of changing the future of energy, with a people-forward company that believes in your success.  

Position Summary 

The Project Development Associate will focus on streamlining the existing processes in place, identify suitable land in assigned markets, initiating contact with the landowners, manage landmen in the field, structure lease/easement agreements and applicable real estate documents, assist with investor due diligence requests, data room organization and obtain permits to construct a solar project. 

Responsibilities  

The Project Development Associate will work and assist the team in all capacities, including but not limited to the following tasks: 

• Manage & maintain existing project development databases 
• Establishes trust and rapport with landowners to facilitate negotiations and have a positive working relationship 

• Communicate with landowners and lessors responding to inquiries and resolving conflicts 
• Explains project to landowners including expectations, procedures, timing, and financial arrangements 
• Negotiates, secures, maintains, and administers diverse land documents including but not limited to leases, easements, licenses, options to purchase, affidavits, quitclaims, purchase and sale agreements, releases and other documents as requested or required with accuracy and thoroughness 
• Manage landowner lease/easement documents along with title work 
• Host landowner dinner meetings 
• Contact and coordinate landowner communication efforts 
• Support staff and consultants in analyzing sites for general solar development, environmental reviews and permitting 
• Assist with development efforts such as real estate document processing, permit preparation, and other related efforts 
• Coordinate and manage use of outside consultants for additional GIS, surveying, modeling, analytical, environmental and development related activities 
• Assist with new development efforts in key markets including preliminary site identification and completing their development in the planned timeframe and convert the sites into feasible projects 

Requirements

• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Interest in the Solar Energy Industry
• 1-2 years of experience as a Project Development Associate

Benefits

•  Flexible Work Schedule 

• 3 Weeks Paid Time Off 
• 14 Paid Holidays + Holiday Corporate Closure 
• 5 Sick Days 
• 2 Personal Days 
• 2 Community Service Days 
• National Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Plans 
• Company Provided Life Insurance Plan 
• 401(k) with Company Matching Plan 
• Reimbursement of Training and Continuing Education 
• Pet Care Reimbursement for Company Travel 
• Employee Recognition and Rewards Program 
• Employee Discount Program 

ESA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, ESA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.