Entering the wind trade in Brainerd, MN, typically begins with specialized training and apprenticeships, which combine hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These programs last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the wind energy sector is projected to grow by 60% from 2023 to 2033, with Brainerd, MN, seeing a significant increase in wind trade jobs. Apprentices in Brainerd can earn a weekly average of $627.50, with experienced professionals often exceeding $967.50 per week. Training programs and apprenticeships are available through trade schools, industry associations, and platforms like Stream Marine Training, leading to a career with strong earning potential and significant growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Job Title: Upper Midwest Community Advocate National Grid Renewables is a full-service renewable energy company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We have developed over 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either operational or currently under construction throughout the United States. Our multi-gigawatt development pipeline consists of wind and solar projects in various stages of development across the United States. We provide custom solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. With deep roots in agriculture, we pride ourselves on developing renewable energy projects that are farmer-friendly, community-driven, and beneficial for rural communities. The Upper Midwest Community Advocate will lead community relations for all of NG Renewables' North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (Upper Midwest) projects. This includes forming and maintaining partnerships with community stakeholders, holding individual meetings with community members, hosting listening sessions, educational events, and volunteer opportunities, as well as sponsoring and tabling at community events. This position will drive project-level giving from development through operations across our Upper Midwest portfolio. Duties • Understand, deliver, and improve upon National Grid Renewables' community outreach strategy for all Upper Midwest projects. • Advocate for local communities and ensure that community engagement in the Upper Midwest has a positive impact and is delivered efficiently. • Manage relationships and partnerships across the state, including external stakeholders such as local communities, third-party organizations, and others as applicable. • Drive support for projects locally and statewide and develop and execute campaigns to combat opposition to renewable energy and/or projects. • Collaborate with others on the Community Engagement team to provide support, learn from each other, and adopt best practices based on on-the-ground experience. • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications department to ensure community and charitable projects are recognized internally and externally. • Work cross-functionally with other departments, including development, permitting, policy, construction, and operations to deliver integrated and high-quality community engagement. • Monitor Upper Midwest and national renewable energy news, including opposition activity, competitor community engagement activities, permitting news, and community news. Requirements • Must be a resident of one of the Upper Midwest states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, or Wisconsin). • Prior residence in one of the following project counties: North Dakota (Mercer, Cass, Stark, or Stutsman), South Dakota (McCook, Clark, McPherson, or Meade), Minnesota (Itasca, Rock, Otter Tail, Martin, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Benton, Nobles, or Wadena), or Wisconsin (Shawano or Dunn). • Proven collaborator and networking expert, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally. • Experience working with external and internal stakeholders to deliver community-level projects. • Able to manage and prioritize complex, competing communication issues - maintaining high standards and alignment with National Grid Renewables' strategy. • Understanding of the importance of strategic communications. • Highly articulate and persuasive communicator. • Ability to remain calm in stressful/tense situations. Skills/Attributes • Strong verbal skills • Achievement driven • Energetic • Able to manage multiple tasks and projects • Loyal and committed to the organization Preferred Qualifications • Experience with political campaigning and/or building grassroots and community support for a cause. • Established relationships with Upper Midwest renewable energy groups, nonprofits, legislators, and/or other influential stakeholders. • Understanding of the energy/utility sector preferably renewable energy, and relevant internal/external influences (such as governmental, regulatory, NGOs, communities, employee relations, media, agencies, industry bodies). • Experience in volunteering and other structured employee participation in responsible business activity. • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Compensation • This is a contract position, with an hourly rate starting at $50/hour. • All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Equal Opportunity Employer National Grid Renewables is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Open, honest, and respectful ways of working, learning, and communicating are the cornerstones of a successful business, and leveraging inclusion and diversity lead to better business results. At National Grid Renewables, we're focused on creating a work environment where our people feel respected and included, and therefore empowered to be themselves.
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