Project Development Internship

About ESA 

The solar industry is one of the fastest growing job sectors in the United States today. As the U.S. rapidly moves towards a clean energy economy, ESA Solar is proud to be one of the leading solar energy companies helping to build a better future. As one of the top 100 solar developers nationwide, our team is comprised of passionate, driven individuals that are the best in the industry.  
  
ESA provides a full scope of services to our clients from energy consulting and design to construction and maintenance. Our services support leading private companies, utilities, and local governments in achieving their renewable energy goals. 

We believe in a culture of teamwork and collaboration to collectively achieve our goals. Our employees are the foundation of our brand and reputation, so we are searching for innovative thinkers, risk takers, and visionaries to join our dynamic team. Be a part of changing the future of energy, with a people forward company that believes in your success. 

Position Summary 

We are actively seeking a Project Development Assistant Intern to support our company in the earliest stages of utility-scale solar farm developments. Prior to a solar farm in the field generating clean, renewable energy, there are nearly a hundred steps that were taken behind the scenes to make it happen! This is known as development and it is the part of the team that you would be on.  

From identifying suitable land for solar farms and facilitating marketing efforts to acquire or lease the land, to supporting the planning and zoning approval process that allows a solar farm on the land, you will hold a critical support role to the team. The desired Project Development Assistant Intern will need to be an individual who is a quick-learner, can navigate new processes, is detail-oriented, and organized. Considering that the Project Development Assistant will be working on a relatively small team, they will need to have strong communication skills and be reliable.  

Requirements

Responsibilities  

• Research the Planning and Zoning laws that have jurisdiction where the land is located 

• Support the organization and management of project related documents in the company's database 

• Support efforts to cold-call local government officials and schedule meetings or ask permitting related questions 

• Support Project Developers in updating our Customer Relationship (CRM) system. 

• Support company's efforts to draft permit applications 

• Help create and put together required documents to submit permit applications 

• Ensure that public hearings or any other critical dates in the permitting process are communicated internally 

• Support efforts to manage the landowner relationship post-signing of leasing or purchase agreement (i.e. sending documents to landowner for review, reaching out to landowners to obtain documents to ensure payments, etc.) 

• Collect relevant parcel data and enter into an excel file or software database 

• Organize and analyze parcel data 

Required Skills:  

• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and Customer Relationship Management Systems (Pipedrive preferred). 

• Excellent communication skills in dealing with a variety of agents in government, public officials, land owners, developers, etc. 

• Some contract coursework preferred. 

• Impeccable attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management. 

Job Type: Internship 

Location: Must be located in Michigan | Preferred Cities: East Lansing; Ann Arbor

Compensation: $17 hourly

Benefits

Internship Company Benefits 

• ​Flexible Hours 

• Hybrid Work Environment 

• Reimbursement of Training and Continuing Education 

• Employee Discount Program 

• Employee Recognition and Rewards 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.