Project Developer – Solar & Storage | Illinois (Remote)

talisman; Illinois; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

talisman is seeking a Project Developer to own early-stage development for a distributed generation portfolio in Illinois and the Midwest. You will identify sites, conduct landowner outreach, and move leases to execution while engaging local authorities and stakeholders.

You'll work closely with a seasoned development team, monitor zoning and regulatory policy, and help keep milestones on track and on budget in a dynamic renewable energy setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in energy project development, solar PV or storage preferred.
• Experience engaging landowners and regulators.
• Comfort travelling to rural project sites on short notice.
• Proficiency with GIS platforms and project databases.

Responsibilities

• Own early-stage development activities for a DG pipeline from site screening to lease execution.
• Lead landowner outreach campaigns and lease negotiations, including encumbrances.
• Serve as primary contact with AHJs, planning bodies, and community stakeholders.
• Monitor zoning, environmental, and regulatory policy across projects.
• Maintain milestones and project records for forecasting and budgeting.
• Collaborate with the development team to foster accountability.

Skills

GIS platforms

Strong communicator

Self-starter / resilience

Landowner outreach

Project management

Education

Engineering, environmental science, real estate, public policy or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

We're working with an independent clean energy developer with a strong track record across community solar, C&I, and utility-scale markets to find a Project Developer for their expanding Illinois portfolio. This is a remote role based in Illinois or the wider Midwest, with regular in-state travel.

The role

You'll take ownership of early-stage development activity for a distributed generation pipeline -from site identification and landowner outreach through to lease execution and stakeholder engagement. You'll work closely with an established development team and regularly represent the business in front of local authorities, governing bodies, and community stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

• Building and managing a pipeline of early-stage DG opportunities, including map and site screening using GIS tools
• Leading landowner outreach campaigns and running lease negotiations from first contact through to execution, including handling legal encumbrances
• Serving as the primary point of contact with local AHJs, planning bodies, and community stakeholders
• Monitoring and tracking zoning, environmental, and regulatory policy across your project portfolio, and advocating for favorable policy where needed
• Keeping development milestones on track and on budget, and maintaining accurate project records to support company-wide forecasting
• Contributing to a collaborative, accountable team culture.

What they're looking for

• 3+ years in energy project development, with hands-on experience in solar PV and/or battery storage; distribution-level experience preferred
• A degree in engineering, environmental science, real estate, public policy, or a related field - or equivalent experience gained through progression in the renewable energy sector
• Comfort working independently in a field-based role, including frequent travel to rural project sites on short notice
• Proficiency with GIS platforms and project database management
• Solid grounding in permitting, regulatory frameworks, and real estate development documentation
• Strong communicator and relationship-builder - comfortable engaging landowners, local officials, and internal teams alike
• Self-starter with the resilience and problem-solving instinct to navigate a fast-moving development environment