With the rapid growth of wind turbine installations across the United States, demand for newly trained wind power employees has soared to record heights. As such, those who search for wind power jobs quickly learn that wind farm locations are closer to home than most would think. To illustrate this, the following article will detail several states where wind farm companies actively hire for positions that range from general construction level work to high paying technical jobs like that of the wind technician. Please continue reading below to learn more about wind farm job opportunities in seven of the top key states.
Colorado - Wind power jobs in Colorado are typically found at wind farms that are concentrated within the North-Eastern region of the state. Having developed a production capacity of over 1,245 Megawatts, the region is truly on its way to becoming the center of wind power production in the western plains. Often called "Colorado's Outback," the wide open prairies offer the perfect balance of beautiful country scenery and steady work for anyone that is privileged to be employed within the area. Wanting to take advantage of the available wind resource, the Kit Carson Project in Burlington, Colorado is set to provide the most employment opportunities in the area by installing 51 Megawatts of General Electric wind turbines for purchase by Duke Energy. Sources within Duke Energy indicate that the development will create skilled and high paying wind technician jobs for trained turbine professionals. For more information about the requirements for entry level wind technician jobs, do a Google search for "monthly wind technician training."
Texas - Wind power jobs in Texas have been abundant since 2005 and as we enter the next decade the "Lone Star State" will continue to set the national standard for installed wind power capacity. Ranked number one in the U.S., Texas enjoys the benefits of hosting a diverse group of employers who are all highly motivated to continue capturing some of the best wind resources in North America. This being so, a majority of new Texan wind power jobs will be centered in West Texas and South Texas as wind farms in these regions complete separate phases of development. Taking a closer look at the southern region of the state, some of the top employment opportunities include the Cedro Hill and Penescal II developments. Cedro Hill, which is located in Webb County, is set to have a capacity of 150 Megawatts with the installation of G.E. Energy wind turbines under Edison Mission Group and DKRW. In addition to Cedro Hill, the Penescal II development is located in Kenedy and Webb Counties with plans calling for the installation of over 200 Megawatts of Mitsubishi wind turbines under the management of Iberdrola Renewables. Sources in each of these companies confirm that these projects will create many new jobs in wind turbine services with high paying positions available for wind technicians. To take advantage of the wind power jobs detailed above, applicants should have a resume that includes knowledge of wind turbine systems and this can be gained by enrolling in one of the few monthly wind tech training courses that are available at select locations.
Illinois - With over 430 Megawatts currently under construction, wind power jobs in Illinois are booming. Ranked 6th in the nation for total turbine capacity, Illinois wind farms are primarily under development in the northern region of the state. Of the two largest project expansions in the north, the Big Sky Wind Farm is the largest installing over 230 Megawatts of Suzlon turbines that will produce wind energy for the Edison Mission Group. Those familiar with the project note that Big Sky spans across Bureau and Lee counties in order to optimize use of the wind resource and remain out of sight for local residents. Second to Big Sky is Top Crop II with almost 200 Megawatts of General Electric wind turbines set to produce for Horizon and EDPR. Stretching across Grundy, Livingston, and LaSalle Counties, Top Crop II will create many wind power jobs in the area that will further support local economies through the employment of both skilled and unskilled labor pools. Wind turbine commissioners and wind technicians will be the top beneficiaries of the development and those who wish to seek employment within these occupations should have at minimum a certificate in wind technology from one of the full time monthly wind tech training programs.
Oklahoma - Wind power jobs in Oklahoma are leading the way when it comes to renewable energy employment opportunities within the state. Providing a total capacity of 1,130 Megawatts, Oklahoma is currently ranked 11th in the nation for total installed production potential. As investment continues to grow within the region, the "Sooner State" has the potential to create many new jobs with projects in Woodward and Dewey Counties leading the way. In Woodward, a development named Keenan II is set to support 76 turbines that will be capable of producing over 150 Megawatts when fully operational. Likewise, Dewey County will be home to the Taloga wind farm which will consist of 130 Megawatts of Mitsubishi wind turbines.
Minnesota - Wind power jobs in Minnesota can be found at several locations that are spread across the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." As Minnesota is currently ranked 7th in terms of wind turbine capacity, the Bent Tree project set to increase Minnesota's total installed capacity by over 260 Megawatts. As such, the county of Freeborn is due to become the major renewable energy source in the southern region of the state directly benefiting consumers who draw their electricity from Wisconsin Power & Light. Those who are interested in participating in the employment opportunities that the project will create should do a Google search for monthly wind technician training to develop the skills necessary to enter the field and get a wind farm job.
Michigan - Although ranked 14th in the country regarding wind generating capacity, wind power jobs in Michigan are sure to experience growth throughout the coming decade. Of the projects that are planned, the one that is the key for building future momentum in the state is Stoney Corners II. Under the development of Heritage Sustainable Energy, Stoney Corners is set to install over 20 Megawatts with wind turbines manufactured by Repower and Northern Power Systems. The future looks bright for Michigan when it comes to wind power growth as there are many more proposals for wind farms that have yet to receive mainstream attention.
California - Supporting a capacity of over 2,700 Megawatts of wind energy, California is currently third in the nation when ranking total installed production capability. Of the new wind farms that are planned in the state of California, the two set to create the most wind power jobs are located within Shasta and Kern Counties which are found in Northern and Central California respectively. In Shasta County, a project by the name of Hatchet Ridge is receiving great acclaim as the site is contracted to deliver over 100 Megawatts of production capability through the installation of 44 Siemens wind turbines. Likewise, Kern County is another epicenter of growth in the state of California with the development named Alta I which is expected to consist of 150 Megawatts of G.E. Energy wind turbines as purchased by Terra-Gen Power. Positions that are forecast to be in high demand with the construction of these two projects include the skilled and well paying occupations known as the wind technician and the wind turbine commissioner. To meet requirements for these jobs, those who are interested should seek out a monthly wind technician training course.
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