Renewable energy development agent

 Renewable energy development agent
Solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, wood energy... this agent takes care of all renewable energy integration projects in buildings and local equipment. He sets up, monitors the work and ensures the optimization of the installations. A facilitator, he organizes communication with residents and elected officials. A knowledgeable manager, he resolves the administrative and financial problems of a project. Technician or engineer, this territorial agent is a civil servant or contract worker

Professional life
Very few positions
A recent profession created in 1999 at Castres town hall, the renewable energy development agent is still experimental in the local public service. The awareness of elected officials about energy problems combined with financial issues should give a boost to the profession.
Civil servant or contract worker
Within cities, the agent can be employed under two statuses. If he is a civil servant, he is, depending on his qualifications, attaché, editor or presenter. It then comes under the territorial civil service. But he can be recruited as a contract worker and engaged for the development of specific projects.
Real prospects
Renewable energies are at the heart of urban concerns. Many cities and towns are setting up energy services. Development agents are therefore called upon to play a leading role in the coming years. Already in 2007, the recruitment prospects of local authorities favor the environmental sectors.
Beginner's salary
From 1700 euros gross per month for a technician, to 2000 euros gross per month for an engineer.
Working conditions
Within city networks
This agent works mainly in large cities which have an energy department. But active municipalities, like Montmélian (73) or Castres-Mazamet (81) are looking for skills in renewable energies. Implementing a large-scale project is often collective. The cities then come together in a network to implement a sustainable energy policy (REVE project for the Jura-Léman region).
A management job
This manager usually works in an office, under the direction of a project manager. Creation of files and management of procedures occupy an important place in its activities. He draws up specifications for the study, finds funding, seeks subsidies from ADEME or regional councils, etc.
Many partners
This professional is in frequent contact with the population, elected officials and other community services. It also communicates with decentralized State services, town planning agencies, local missions, social landlords, etc. consular chambers, territorial observatories and development associations.
SKILLS
Technical skills
Creator and developer of projects, the renewable energy agent has skills in energy and thermal: available devices, applications and limits, sizing, costs, profitability... And, of course, in-depth knowledge of all energies renewable.
Relational qualities
In this profession, knowing how to argue and convince is essential. To conduct an interview or lead meetings, it is better to have a taste for contact and a sense of listening. The ability to work in a team is particularly appreciated. Make way for profiles that are available, invested and committed to the environmental cause.
Management knowledge
There is no question for this manager not to master IT and office automation tools. Having writing and synthesis skills is imperative. Knowing how to write specifications implies good knowledge of the regulations (legal aspects, distribution of skills, role of the different partners, mobilization of financing).
Nature of the work
Reduce energy bills
Reducing the energy bills of municipalities and cities: this is the primary role of the renewable energy development agent. It is up to him to manage the energy consumption of all municipal buildings. After identifying and analyzing deviations, it seeks the best energy solutions to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Set up projects
Solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, wood energy... this agent participates in the implementation and monitoring of local renewable energy projects. It develops the heating of local facilities (swimming pools, schools, canteens, etc.) using solar collectors. He is setting up a wind energy urban plan or looking for ways to power municipal electric vehicles with solar energy...
Animate to convince
This facilitator plays the role of mediator between local elected officials and residents. To implement an energy policy