Selecting the best wind farm jobs can be highly rewarding from both a socially responsible perspective and an economic perspective. Depending on the region in which you live, the prevalence of employment tied to this alternative form of energy will vary. Jobs surrounding wind farms require a vast set of skills ranging from engineering and technical to physical in nature. Some wind farm operators hire from within, while others outsource certain technical jobs to third-party companies. Although the operation of wind turbines is considered relatively safe, wind farm jobs can pose some dangers if part of the mechanical structure of a turbine, such as an ice detection system, is not working properly.
Wind farms are not operated by one person, and as a result, several job functions must be filled. At its highest point, an individual turbine can be as tall as 40 stories in length, and these machines are often positioned in open fields, on mountaintops and even offshore in the middle of the ocean. Subsequently, a skilled wind farm technician who is familiar with large turbines becomes a vital addition to a wind farm. This person becomes responsible for preventative and urgent maintenance of the turbines, including oil changes and lubrication upkeep on gearboxes and bearings used to operate a turbine.
Some of the largest wind projects are located offshore, including Cape Wind farm, the first wind project to be developed on water in the U.S. This particular wind farm in Massachusetts created an opportunity for highly specialized jobs, including ocean construction, turbine assembly and manufacturing roles. Because these jobs are highly specialized, maintenance workers and operators of a wind farm often are paid generous salaries.
In addition to technical wind farm jobs, there are some employment opportunities tied to finance. For instance, the development of a wind farm requires a large sum of money. As a result, wind farm operators often rely on bank financing for at least part of the cost. There are investment bankers who specialize in advising wind farm companies on obtaining equity or debt financing to pay for a project. Additionally, some boutique or small investment banks are devoted entirely to funding this industry. A professional with a background in finance and an interest in alternative energy might be suited for this profession.
Training for wind farm jobs can be completed at the collegiate level. Some schools offer programs that train students on how to become a skilled wind technician. As different regions begin to adopt more aggressive wind-energy initiatives, the number of wind turbine installations increases, and this intensifies the need for certain wind farm jobs, including skilled and educated technicians
