Career Track 4: Project Developer
A day in the life video
Introduction: The Project Developer Career Track is for participants who are interested in a career working on large scale clean energy projects. This track will explore what a Project Developer can work on, including hydrology, electrical systems, and project management. Project development is a very tangible, outcomes-oriented sector.
Job profiles:
- Construction Manager
- Land Acquisitions Expert
- Project Manager
- Hydrologist
- Power Engineer
Medium-to-large Indigenous renewable energy projects have experienced a 29.6% growth rate across Canada since 2017.
Source: Accelerating Transition report
Job Profiles

Job Profile 1
Construction Manager
Job description - Construction Managers coordinate, supervise and evaluate the construction operations in a clean energy project. They normally perform their activities under the direction of the project manager and/or another senior manager. They also provide the project manager with assistance in both project planning and budget management. Construction managers work with engineering teams and supervise the activities of trade workers as well as subcontractors.
Median income: $40/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Foreman
- Construction Supervisor/Superintendent

by 2029
- Bachelor’s degree in a related area or a designated trade certification is usually preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in the construction industry, preferably in clean energy projects.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is considered an asset.
- Good understanding of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in the construction and repair of buildings or other facilities like roads, mines, and related structures.
- Good understanding of management, planning, organization, personnel, leadership or direction of organizations, encompassing accounting principles and practices, human and material resources disposition, public relations, valuation, sales and marketing, and economics.
- Proven ability to manage and coordinate entry-level subcontractor work.
- Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Good organizational skills to arrange and coordinate the tasks of groups and individuals.
- Strong communication skills to give status updates to the project manager outlining the project progress, concerns and any impacts to be addressed or budgeted for.
- Data analysis skills to examine information and/or facts to determine appropriate actions or recommendations.
- Ability to understand contracts and technical information.
- Ability to effectively recruit staff and subcontractors for specific tasks to be performed in a given area.
- Good time management skills to meet key project deadlines.
- Good evaluation skills to direct processes and procedures to ensure they add measurable value.
- State the progress of the work and financial matters to the project manager.
- Work closely with engineers, trade workers and other construction specialists to make sure that the work was completed in accordance with the company's requirements and regulations, and with environmental, safety and other requirements.
- Collaborate with the project manager in order to schedule and manage the project activities, making sure that the project is concluded on time and within budget.
- Manage, organize, plan, control, and monitor construction projects from the beginning to the end in accordance with the timeline, requirements, and budget.
- Ensure that manpower is effectively managed and that material purchases are in accordance with the Project Managers' guidelines.
- Perform administrative tasks such as daily material tracking sheets, run internal and client meetings, and develop materials for presentations when meeting with supervisors.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Every province and territory establishes its own standards for certifying skilled tradespeople. As a result, certification in one jurisdiction may not permit you to work in other jurisdictions. However, the Red Seal certification enables you to practice your profession in any part of Canada. Click here to learn more about the Red Seal program.
You can also find information on financial support here.
British Columbia
The Industry Training Authority (ITA)
The Aboriginal Construction Certificate Program
Alberta
The Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centres (AICCC)
The North East Alberta Apprentice Initiative
The Trade Winds to Success program
Women Building Futures (WBF)
Project Management for Indigenous Organizations - Online - Banff Centre
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)
Manitoba
Indigenous Apprenticeship Training program
The City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Youth Strategy
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak
The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute
Ontario
Building Futures for Indigenous Youth program
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program
Newfoundland and Labrador
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/24325/ca
O*Net. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9021.00
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
Careers in Trade Canada. What are the skilled trades? https://careersintrades.ca/what-are-the-skilled-trades/
Red Seal Program. http://www.red-seal.ca/about/pr.4gr.1m-eng.html

Job Profile 2
Land Acquisition Expert
Job description - Land Acquisition Experts work closely with specialists, lawyers, engineers, scientists and other interested parties to make sure that the project is delivered on time and according to budget. They are also responsible for carrying out environmental assessments as well as implementing site remediation and restoration. Land acquisition specialists assist project developers in obtaining land for new projects as well as in the management of land after it has been purchased or leased.
Median income: $28.85/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Procurement Officer
- Contracts Officer
- Purchasing agent
- Land Agent
- Land Acquisition Associate

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, commerce, real estate, law, engineering, or a related discipline is normally required.
- Experience and/or knowledge of the licensing process and an in-depth understanding of real estate, tax and accounting rules.
- Good understanding of economic theories, principles and methods of analysis (e.g., simulation and forecasting techniques).
- Good understanding of monitoring and accountability structures, financial management practices and procedures.
- It is desirable that applicants hold or are able to obtain a purchasing certificate.
- Past experience as a purchasing clerk would be an asset.
- Strong communication skills to be able to clearly convey the status of land transactions and identify any concerns that may hinder the finalization of a contract.
- Good planning and organization skills to identify the phases and steps needed to complete the objectives on time and within budget.
- Strong interpersonal skills to negotiate and communicate the terms of a contract with a landowner.
- Data analysis skills in order to examine the relevant information and events to establish suitable strategies and/or guidelines.
- Ability to establish and support cost-effective business practices.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to accommodate new priorities and deadlines.
- Design and implement strategies and land acquisition plans for new project development sites.
- Negotiate the land acquisition or access rights for public or private use.
- Collaborate with landowners, local governments, and community organizations to gain assistance for upcoming projects.
- Determine the scope of the project and identify the standards that must be complied with.
- Work closely with lawyers, permitting experts, engineers and scientists as to whether the sites are suitable for project development.
- Make sure that the site assessment has been conducted correctly as well as the development and implementation of action plans.
- Provide assistance throughout the permitting process for the entire project.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
A related university degree or college diploma may be required if you want to work as a purchasing agent or as an officer who purchases specialized materials or commercial services. For example, a bachelor's degree in engineering may be required if you want to work as a purchaser of industrial products.
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/556/ca
O*Net. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1023.00
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/career-map-land-acquisition-specialist

Job Profile 3
Project Manager
Job description - Project Managers are responsible for developing the project, from site selection to the final installation, and for the contractual bidding on projects. They are also manage the assessment and development of potential clean energy opportunities, such as permits and environmental studies. Project managers oversee the construction of the project, leading and coordinating operations to ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget.
Median income: $46.71/Hour
Alternative job titles
- General Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Renewable Project Development
- Project developer

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, construction management, business administration, or another discipline related to the company's operations is normally required.
- Several years of experience in construction management, particularly in the construction of clean energy projects, is essential for project managers working in this sector.
- Working knowledge of business- and management-related practices such as resources and people management.
- Deep understanding of specific construction concerns such as restrictions on when cranes can operate, geotechnical restrictions, etc.
- Good understanding of engineering principles, techniques and procedures relevant to the project.
- Deep understanding of concepts concerning the generation, transportation, installation, operation, and maintenance of technologies and other related equipment needed to generate energy.
- Strong communication skills in order to clearly convey the project status to stakeholders.
- Good planning and organizational skills in order to establish the allocation of resources, personnel, assets or funds to meet organizational goals.
- Strong management skills to monitor every aspect of the project.
- Ability to manage and mitigate project risks to ensure that the project is successfully completed.
- Critical thinking skills to identify potential issues within the project and propose appropriate solutions.
- Monitor the work plan, personnel and budget for the execution of each phase of the project.
- Lead project meetings with management, clients, subcontractors and others involved to effectively communicate the status of the project.
- Monitor the performance of energy management initiatives aimed at reducing demand for energy use and improving energy efficiency in all phases of the project.
- Coordinate technical support for the development and licensing of activities, as required.
- Collaborate with other project departments to ensure proper project rotation and assist in the transition from project development to operations after the project is completed.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Most people hired to be project managers have extensive experience working on several related projects as middle managers, for example, before being selected to manage one.
Project Management for Indigenous Organizations - Online
First Nations, Metis & Inuit Cross-Functional Project Management Planning Workshop
First Nations, Metis & Inuit Online Project Stakeholder Management Training
First Nations Project Management - Custom-Developed for First Nations
Canadian Aboriginal Management Program – University of Victoria
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/24275/ca
0*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/11-9199.10
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy

Job Profile 4
Hydrologist
Job description - Hydrologists research the dynamic nature of water and evaluate issues such as the rain and runoff relationship. They are also involved in projects that study the effects of precipitation on soils and different landscapes, its movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. They are responsible for promoting the responsible use of water sources for the conservation of supplies, and are vital to protecting Canada's water resources.
Median income
$45/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Environmental Consultant
- Groundwater Consultant
- Geologist

by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline is typically required.
- A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required.
- Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is typically required.
- Several years of directly relevant professional experience (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Critical thinking skills are required when designing strategies that address potential threats to the water supply.
- Strong communication skills to be able to clearly convey your findings to the parties involved in the project.
- Strong data analysis skills in order to analyze collected field data and propose appropriate solutions.
- Good planning and organization skills in order to accomplish the objectives of the project, to work independently and as part of a team, and to meet deadlines.
- Ability to use specialized instrumentation and equipment.
- Lead scientific hydrogeological research to make sure that precise and accurate data is readily accessible to be used in water resource management decision-making.
- Assist in planning the development of water resources by monitoring water use and precipitation levels.
- Carry out studies and communicate important information to further promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Implement the results of research in order to reduce the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, and sedimentation.
- Address water flow situations, e.g. droughts and floods, and assess alternative approaches to problem solving.
- Collect groundwater or surface water in order to monitor data to support project development.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Hydrologists who provide design inputs for water management infrastructure projects (e.g., dams, canals, rainwater management, pipeline or bridge crossings) are required to have an engineering degree and Professional Engineer status. In addition, hydrologists providing geological information are required to have a degree in geology and Professional Geoscientist status.
Certificate in Water Resource Management – University of Alberta
Master of Water Security – University of Saskatchewan
Hydrology courses – Center for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan
Water Resource Science – Undergraduate Program – Lakehead University
Water Resources Engineering – University of Guelph
Water and Environmental Engineering Graduate Program – University of New Brunswick
Centre for Water Resources Studies – Dalhousie University
Advance Diploma – Water Quality – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3850/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1199.05
Eco Canada: Career Profiles https://www.eco.ca/training/career-profiles/hydrologist/
Engineers Canada. Overview of the licensing process https://engineerscanada.ca/become-an-engineer/overview-of-licensing-process
Geoscientists Canada. Apply for P.Geo https://geoscientistscanada.ca/becoming-a-p-geo/apply-for-p-geo/

Job Profile 5
Power Engineer
Job description – Power Engineers are responsible for assessing the interconnection standards and transmission feasibility of projects, as well as operating and maintaining generators, turbines, boilers, reactors and auxiliary equipment. They are also in charge of installation assessments and/or testing of new electrical components. Other tasks include working on distribution systems and transmission. Power Engineers are normally employed by electrical power utilities, power generation plants, hospitals, universities, manufacturing plants, etc.
Median income
Median income for power engineers varies according to the level of their certification. By completing a 2-year full-time program and fulfilling the requirements to obtain provincial certification, an entry level Power Engineer (Grade 4) can look forward to earning $25-$30 per hour. First Class Engineers can earn over $200,000 after several years of training and experience.
Alternative job titles
- Stationary Engineer

by 2029
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a college training program in stationary or power engineering and several years of work experience in the field.
- A provincial or territorial power engineering or stationary engineering certificate according to class required (the class required may vary depending on the job posting).
- Working knowledge of applicable regulations.
- Mechanical aptitude to operate plant equipment .e.g., DCS control systems, turbo generators, pumps, compressors, heaters.)
- Operation monitoring and control: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Critical thinking to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Effective communication – verbal and written.
- Detail oriented. They have to keep track of complex electrical systems, components and electronic products. They also design and develop a wide range of electrical systems, components and electronic devices.
- Leadership skills. They frequently provide support to project planning managers, along with leadership teams from a variety of technical backgrounds, such as other engineers, surveyors, construction managers, or technicians.
- Offer energy system design and support to development and construction staff operating power plant projects.
- Manage and conduct system studies including interconnection, power system, or grounding system studies.
- Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, control water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages.
- Ensure compliance with construction and interconnection protocols.
- Prepare drawings of grid interconnection and collection system for interconnection applications.
- Optimize power transmission systems.
- Coordinate, program, and direct generating station and substation power loads and line voltages to meet distribution demands during daily operations, system outages, repairs, and importing or exporting of power.
- Gather system data from customers, utilities, suppliers and subcontractors for system modelling.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Power Engineers should not be confused with Professional Engineers. In some jurisdictions, individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering can take their 4th Class Certificate without attending a course. Do you want to learn more? Click here for more information on Power Engineers in Canada.
Vancouver Island University Power Engineering
NAIT- Power Engineering Technology
Keyano College Power Engineering - Coop
Power Engineering Technology – Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Parkland College – Power Engineering Technician
Assiniboine Community College – Power Engineering
Georgian College – Power Engineering Technology Coop
Mohawk College – Power Engineering Techniques
Holland College – Power Engineering
College of the North Atlantic – Power Engineering Technology
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/7857/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-8013.00
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
The Institute of Power Engineers. https://nipe.ca/
Red Seal. A career in Power Engineering. https://redsealrecruiting.com/a-career-in-power-engineering/

Job Profile 6
Mechanical Engineer
Job description - Mechanical Engineers research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing. They also perform duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. They are employed by consulting firms, power-generating utilities, and in a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries, or they may be self-employed.
Median income: $39.18/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Design Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Energy Conservation Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Quality Engineer

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and education (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in a power generation facility with specific experience is an asset.
- Analytical skills. Mechanical engineers must be able to analyze testing results, operations data and other issues, identifying the root cause of the issue and recommending solutions, ensuring equipment availability and reliability.
- Communication skills. Mechanical engineers must communicate issues concerning wind turbine production and operations to management, clarify field issues with operations personnel as well as write reports and procedure manuals. They should also be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery, often developing innovate approaches and solutions to projects and issues.
- Interpersonal skills. Mechanical engineers work across departments within their organization as well as establish and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Math skills. Mechanical engineers understand the principals of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
- Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices. Such a background allows engineers to visualize basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes more easily.
- Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers must have the ability to identify issues, analyze data and other relevant information, and developing solutions to problems, reducing the impact to project budgets, timelines, production or operational capabilities.
- Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
- Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating conditions, possible new applications, and necessary modifications.
- Estimate the time and cost required to complete projects.
- Generate specifications, read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports for mechanical components.
- Identify, review and recommend necessary modifications to ensure product conforms to engineering design and performance specifications.
- Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs, ensuring optimal manufacturability of project components.
- Perform wind resource assessments during the siting process.
- Coordinate crane lifting planning.
- Troubleshoot design or component problems during operations phase.
- Conduct root cause failure analysis and develop solutions to address any production or product malfunctions or issues.
- Establish and maintain customer or vendor relationships.
- Supervise workers, technicians and other engineers.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:

Job Profile 7
Environmental Engineering
Job description - Environmental Engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects for the construction or repair of buildings, earth structures, powerhouses, roads, airports, railways, rapid transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports and coastal installations and systems related to highway and transportation services, water distribution and sanitation. They may also specialize in foundation analysis, building and structural inspection, surveying, geomatics and municipal planning. They are employed by engineering consulting companies, in all levels of government, by construction firms and in many other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Median income: $39.42/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Civil Engineer
- Public Works Engineer
- Water Management Engineer
- Sanitation Engineer
- Geomatics Engineer
- Construction Engineer

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensed by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers or eligible to become licensed.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and education (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in a power generation facility with specific experience is an asset.
- Imagination. Environmental engineers sometimes have to design systems that will be part of larger ones. They must be able to foresee how the proposed designs will interact with other components of the larger system, including the workers, machinery, and equipment, as well as with the environment.
- Interpersonal skills. Environmental engineers must be able to work with others toward a common goal. They usually work with engineers and scientists who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.
- Problem-solving skills. When designing facilities and processes, environmental engineers strive to solve several issues at once, from workers’ safety to environmental protection. They must be able to identify and anticipate problems in order to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and mitigate environmental damage.
- Reading skills. Environmental engineers often work with businesspeople, lawyers, and other professionals outside their field. They are often required to read and understand documents with topics outside their scope of training.
- Writing skills. Environmental engineers must be able to write clearly so that others without their specific training can understand their plans, proposals, specifications, findings, and other documents.
- Design projects that lead to environmental protection, such as water reclamation facilities, air pollution control systems, and operations that convert waste to energy.
- Obtain, update, and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating procedures.
- Provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions.
- Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks.
- Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs.
- Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/22386/ca
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2081.00
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy