Wind energy operations managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of wind field equipment and structures. They make sure that wind energy towers, transformers, and electrical collector systems are maintained and operating correctly and according to industry standards. They also oversee the maintenance of the roadways and other assets on the wind field sites.
Wind energy operations managers hire and supervise wind energy company employees and subcontractors, making sure the quality of the work complies with safety regulations and policies. They may train or coordinate the training of workers in operations, safety, environmental issues, and technical issues. They keep track of operations by maintaining records of work orders, site inspection forms, and other types of documentation. They also estimate wind field operations costs and create and maintain operations budgets.
Other tasks that wind energy operations managers may have include reviewing and negotiating wind farm contracts, managing warranty repairs and replacement services, and ordering parts, tools, and equipment needed for wind field operations. They work closely with a variety of people, from workers and subcontractors, land owners, and site managers, to developers, utility representatives, customers, and residents.
The job entails strong knowledge of various computer software programs. The types of programs that wind energy operations managers use regularly on the job include facilities management software, such as computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); industrial control software, such as programmable logic controller (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA); e-mail software like Microsoft Outlook; and Microsoft Office and Excel for reports and documents.
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