Site Acquisition Lead - Kentucky

National Grid Renewables seeks a Site Acquisition Lead in Louisville, KY, to manage land acquisition for solar and battery storage projects. Responsibilities include leading a team, securing land entitlements, coordinating with stakeholders, and negotiating land agreements. The role requires significant travel (up to 75%) and a minimum of 3 years' experience in site acquisition or community engagement. A college degree or equivalent experience is preferred, with a focus on renewable energy.
National Grid Renewables is a full-service renewable energy company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. National Grid Renewables has developed over 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either operational or currently under construction throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables provides custom solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. With deep roots in agriculture, National Grid Renewables prides itself on developing renewable energy projects that are farmer-friendly, community-driven, and beneficial for rural communities.

Job Description:

The Site Acquisition Lead will design, implement, and manage land acquisition strategies to acquire land for new solar and battery storage developments. They will coordinate with developers, permitting specialists, attorneys, engineers, and other subject matter experts to ensure that the project is built on time and within budget.

Job Duties
• Manage team of external land agents, consultants, and real estate contractors in securing solar and battery storage land entitlements, title commitments, and mineral use waivers.
• Lead site acquisition on 2-5 early/mid-stage projects
• Maintain ongoing communication with project landowners and community stakeholders.
• Travel to project areas as needed for landowner and stakeholder meetings, community events, public hearings, real estate research, etc.
• Lead and execute land agreements such as leases, lease extensions, purchases, and easements to support the siting of solar and battery storage projects.
• Coordinate meetings with participating landowners and gauge overall community support; representing the project and National Grid Renewables during discussions with landowners.
• Work closely with landowners, local governments, and community organizations to gain support for proposed solar and battery storage projects.
• Work with internal National Grid Renewables staff to drive and complete project milestones relating to land acquisition in a timely and efficient manner.
• Work closely with assigned developers to research land viability and communicate with potential landowners.
• Negotiate with attorneys, permitting specialists, engineers, and other subject matter experts to determine whether sites are suitable for development. Assist in obtaining title curative documents including consent and crossings, mineral use waivers, subordination and non-disturbance agreements, etc.
• Travel up to 75% of the time.
• Other Duties as assigned

Experience:
• 3 Years minimum of site acquisition or community engagement experience (energy, real estate, housing development, etc.)
• Proven leadership capabilities

Education:
• College Degree or relevant/equivalent work experience
• Preferred areas of study include land use planning, economics, environmental policy/science, or business.

Attributes:
• Interest in renewable energy
• High energy
• Good relationship building skills
• Multitasker
• Achievement driven, self-starter
• Team Player

National Grid Renewables believe fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Open, honest and respectful ways of working, learning and communicating are the cornerstones of a successful business, and leveraging inclusion and diversity lead to better business results. At National Grid Renewables, we’re focused on creating a work environment where our people feel respected and included, and therefore empowered to be themselves.