The wind is the fastest-growing energy source in the world. In the US alone, wind energy production increased by more than 21 percent year on year since 2007. It is predicted that it could contribute 20 percent of the Nation’s electricity by 2030. The majority of wind farms are owned by major utility companies that are paying a wind energy company to install and maintain their turbines. For this simple reason, many wind energy employees are travelling extensively. Most of these workers are technicians with a specialty, such as turbine blade repair or electrical work.
This is an overview of the current job market situation of the US Wind Industry with helpful hints and tips for job hunting
Manufacturers of wind towers, wind turbine blades and nacelles (the turbine housing units that sit atop the tower and contain key components like the gearbox, generator and transformer) are investing heavily in the windy regions of the U.S. Most of the leading companies are based in Europe but are quickly increasing their presence in North America, which is viewed as the world’s most promising market.
For example, Germany-based company Nordex, which has a market share of between 5 percent and 7 percent of the global wind turbine market, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing platform in Jonesboro. Nordex had exited the U.S. market in 2003 after providing turbines from its European factories for five years. The company is one of the fastest-growing in the wind energy industry, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 50 percent from 2004-to 2007. Now, the company plans to re-enter the U.S. market in a large way.
Vestas, the Denmark-based world leader in wind turbine manufacturing with a 23 percent market share, is well underway in establishing a major U.S. presence. Vestas has plans to employ more than 4,000 people in North America by the end of 2010. Altogether, Vestas will invest nearly $700 million and create 2,450 jobs in the state.
As the industry is growing and matures, the demand for technical expertise is being extended to expertise in other areas such as PR, community liaison, legal and software & IT for example. These sectors offer capable and energetic individuals vast potential to succeed in an industry that is growing faster than any other. The global and international nature of the wind industry means that individuals with additional language skills are especially valued.
What types of jobs exist in wind energy today?
Similar to any other industry, there are many different occupations necessary to keep the industry thriving. The major sectors include:
• Manufacturing Sector
• Service Sector
• Sales and Marketing Sector
• Public and Non-Profit Sector
Manufacturing Sector
• Turbine Production
• Tower Production
• Gearbox and Component Parts
Service Sector
• Site Prospecting
• Wind Farm Development
• Consultation
• Construction (on-site)
• Transportation
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Legal Assistance
• Financing
• Turbine Technician (Operation and Maintenance)
• Wind Energy Forecasting and Resource Assessment
Sales and Marketing Sector
• Turbine Sales (small and large scale)
• Marketing
Public and Non-Profit Sector
• Public/Community Relations
• Utility Company Programs
• Non-profit Advocacy and Education
• Policy Research and Lobbying
• Governmental Programs
Getting a Job in Wind Energy
There is an increasing number of specialist employment areas within the Wind Energy sector. Whilst many vacancies require an engineering background, many other good opportunities are available for individuals who may lack direct experience within the wind power sector, but who have the enthusiasm and sought-after transferable skills. The main Job Sectors in the Wind Energy Industry with usually the highest number of open vacancies are:
• Energy Companies
• Equipment Manufacturers
• Consultancy
• Software and IT
• Wind Plant Installation
• Legal
• Operations and Maintenance
• Geotechnical
MWPS World has compiled for you a useful list of links to international Job Recruiting Sites that are specialized in these sectors. We hope that you find these links useful and we are sure that you will be amazed by the sheer number of jobs available at the time of this press release
• Jobs – Energy Companies
• https://www.simplyhired.com/
• Jobs – Equipment Manufacturers
• https://www.flipdog.com/
• https://www.job-search-engine.com/
• http://greenjobs.greenjobsearch.org/
• Jobs – Wind Energy Consultancy
• https://www.indeed.co.uk/
• https://www.simplyhired.com/
• Jobs – Wind Energy Software and IT
• https://www.job-search-engine.com/
• http://jobsearch.monster.com/
• Jobs – Wind Plant Installation
• https://www.job-search-engine.com/
• Legal
• https://www.worldwideworker.com/all-energy-jobs-renewable-energy-jobs/
• http://greenjobs.greenjobsearch.org/
• Operations and Maintenance
• https://www.endsreport.com/jobs/all-jobs
• https://www.careerstructure.com/
• https://www.randstad.com/jobs/q-energy/
• https://www.dovajobs.co.uk/
• https://www.jobisjob.co.uk/maintenance-engineer/jobs
• Geotechnical
• https://www.endsreport.com/jobs/all-jobs
• https://www.jobisjob.co.uk/offshore-geotechnical-engineer/jobs
• https://www.simplyhired.co.uk/a/jobs/list/q-geotechnical
As you can see, there are as many job opportunities in the wind as there are in any other mature industry. But before going on the job hunt, remember… it is important that you assess your strengths, interests and skills in order to do some background research and to get your foot in the door
