Lead, Energy Assessment

Company Overview Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, green fuels and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence.

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Pattern has a portfolio of 30 power facilities and transmission assets across North America, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The weather is driving the supply and demand of our electricity as more renewables come online. The Meteorology Team, within our Fundamentals Team, is seeking an Energy Assessment Lead who is interested in supporting the energy transition and has a passion for understanding how weather and climate play a key role. The position will support energy assessments utilized across varying technologies (e.g., wind, solar, storage, green fuels) with most of the focus within our wind development pipeline. The role will also be required to work closely with our operations team to understand renewable project performance and how information learned can be used to improve pre-construction energy assessments. This position will work closely with project developers and several other business units within the company ranging from finance, construction, and asset management. This role will also support the team Director in maintaining energy assessment best practices, improving team workflow efficiencies, providing support to other meteorologists/analysts, and disseminating analysis results to the key stakeholders within the company. The position will also be responsible for working with and managing third-party consultants and their respective deliverables to the team.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead energy assessments for preconstruction development projects that include meteorological data analysis, wind flow & wake modelling, turbine suitability, site optimizations, uncertainties, and off-taker expectations.
• Guide and support cross functional stakeholders through best practices and provide recommendations for improved economic project and portfolio value.
• Analyze meteorological data to understand short- and long-term weather influences on expected energy generation for greenfield sites through operations. Communicate weather and climate risks on project value.
• Lead the creation and implementation of new tools and analytics across fundamentals, development, operations, and geospatial technologies that align methods while improving work efficiencies.
• Provide support to other team members through analysis assistance and providing peer review reports on development and operational energy estimates.
• Support Energy Assessment teams across development and operations to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) through new tools and analytics provided by team Directors.
• Support the Program Manager of Measurements on meteorological data campaign strategies to improve energy estimates, reduce uncertainty, and add to overall project value.
• Simulate and interpret environmental models including noise, shadow flicker, and zone of visual influence.
• Remain up to date in industry best practices with regard to the science of energy assessments.
• Mentor and train existing team of meteorologists, spatial scientists, and others in our broader Fundamentals group.
• Lead and support third-party relationships pertaining to energy assessments. Perform due diligence of third-party energy assessments for financing opportunities, repower evaluations, and acquisitions.
• Perform project site visits to assess turbine siting and data measurement campaigns where applicable.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in atmospheric sciences, earth sciences, physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in the renewables industry as a meteorologist or wind energy analyst
• Working proficiency in Python, R, or other applicable scientific programming languages.
• Proficient in working with SQL databases, OpenWind, Windographer, WindSim. Experience with industry OpenOA functionality not required, but preferred.
• Familiarity in working with reanalysis datasets that include HRRR, ERA5, MERRA-2, and mesoscale model output. Working knowledge of mesoscale models and parameterization schemes, such as WRF WFP, highly desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to express ideas effectively and fluently.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment where teamwork and independent work ethic are essential.
• Ability to organize time well and set proper priorities.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $103,000 USD – $139,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.