Geothermal Energy Project Developer

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary & incentives

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Travel allowances

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Geothermal Energy Project Developer to drive development from concept to financial close and construction in South Africa. You will assess resources, conduct surveys, engage stakeholders, secure permits, and negotiate key agreements.

The role requires expertise in geothermal tech, project finance, and regulatory landscapes, with travel within the Free State and beyond. The successful candidate will have a strong background in geothermal project development,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project development, preferably in renewables with geothermal experience.
• Strong understanding of geothermal resource assessment and development processes.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, government liaison, and permitting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential geothermal resource sites for development.
• Conduct geological and reservoir assessments with geoscientists and engineers.
• Develop project concepts, feasibility studies, and business cases for geothermal projects.
• Lead stakeholder engagement with landowners, communities, government, and investors.
• Manage permitting and regulatory approval processes for geothermal projects.
• Negotiate and finalize project agreements including land leases, PPAs, and joint ventures.
• Develop financial models and secure project financing.
• Oversee tendering and selection of EPC contractors.
• Monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure milestones are met.
• Stay updated on geothermal tech advancements, market trends, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare presentations and reports for management and investors.

Skills

Geology

Project development

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a proactive and experienced Geothermal Energy Project Developer to join their expanding team, contributing to innovative energy solutions in Welkom, Free State. This dynamic role involves identifying, evaluating, and advancing geothermal energy projects from inception through to financial close and construction. You will be responsible for a broad range of activities, including resource assessment, geological surveys, stakeholder engagement, securing permits, and negotiating agreements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of geothermal technologies, project finance, and the regulatory landscape in South Africa. You will work closely with geological experts, engineers, legal counsel, and community representatives to ensure the successful development of these valuable energy resources. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a critical renewable energy sector in the Free State province and contribute to a sustainable energy future. Our client is committed to unlocking the potential of geothermal power and seeks a driven individual to lead these efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential geothermal resource sites for development.
• Conduct thorough geological and reservoir assessments, collaborating with geoscientists and engineers.
• Develop detailed project concepts, feasibility studies, and business cases for geothermal projects.
• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts with landowners, local communities, government agencies, and investors.
• Manage the permitting and regulatory approval process for geothermal projects.
• Negotiate and finalize key project agreements, including land leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and joint venture agreements.
• Develop project financial models and secure project financing.
• Oversee the tendering and selection process for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors.
• Monitor project development progress, manage risks, and ensure project milestones are met.
• Stay updated on geothermal technology advancements, market trends, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare presentations and reports for internal management, investors, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project development, preferably within the renewable energy sector, with specific experience in geothermal energy development being a significant advantage.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects from concept to financial close.
• Strong understanding of geothermal resource assessment, exploration, and development processes.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, community relations, and government liaison.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements for energy projects in South Africa.
• Familiarity with project finance, PPA negotiations, and EPC contracting.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Strong presentation and communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel within the Free State and other relevant regions as required for site visits and meetings.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package plus performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to shape the future of geothermal energy in South Africa.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Support for professional development and industry engagement.
• Be part of a pioneering team in a growing renewable energy field.
• Generous travel allowances for site visits and meetings.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking organizational culture.