Wind Energy Operations Manager
Manages the daily operations of wind energy facilities, overseeing staff, maintenance, budgets, and planning.
Description
A wind energy operations manager (sometimes called a wind farm manager or renewable energy site manager) oversees all aspects of running a wind field, from coordinating maintenance crews and managing budgets to planning long-term operational strategies. They typically work for wind energy companies, utilities, or independent power producers, playing a key role in keeping clean energy flowing reliably to the grid. People who thrive here tend to be organized, decisive problem-solvers who care about sustainability and enjoy leading teams through both the routine and the unexpected.
Education Levels
Salary Ranges
In 2025, professionals in this career had median annual earnings of about $104K, with 80% earning between $47K and $231K.
National estimates from Lightcast labor market data cover workers at all experience levels, not just entry-level roles. Earnings vary by year, location, experience, and employer.
Median marks the midpoint: half of workers earn more and half earn less.
Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind energy operations manager is a high-growth field, with employment projected to grow 14.4% between 2024 and 2034, resulting in approximately 98,380 job openings nationally.
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Prominent Locations
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Good to Know
Skills Required
These are the top skills that professionals have in this career:
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
A Day in the Life
A typical day moves between reviewing turbine performance data, coordinating maintenance schedules, managing budgets, and making operational decisions that keep a wind farm running efficiently and safely. The work is highly collaborative and field-connected — involving regular coordination with maintenance technicians, safety personnel, and financial or administrative staff, while also interfacing with external contractors and utility stakeholders to align on production goals and project timelines.
Considerations
Keep in mind: Wind Energy Operations Managers typically split time between office settings and wind farm sites, often in remote or rural locations, and face stressors like tight maintenance schedules, budget oversight, safety responsibility for field crews, and unpredictable weather-related disruptions. A bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field is commonly the baseline, and while no universal licensing exam is required, industry certifications in wind energy or project management can strengthen career advancement.
Matched Majors
These majors are recommended based on their relevance and availability at the University of Utah.
Mechanical Engineering
John and Marcia Price College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering applies principles of physics, materials science, and mathematics to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. This major prepares students to innovate across industries from aerospace and automotive to energy and robotics.
Electrical Engineering
John and Marcia Price College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering focuses on the design, development, and application of electrical systems, electronics, and electromagnetic technologies. Students learn to create innovative solutions for power generation, communications, computing, and control systems.
Operations and Supply Chain
David Eccles School of Business
Master the art of optimizing business processes, managing global supply networks, and ensuring efficient delivery of products and services. Learn to coordinate complex operations that keep organizations running smoothly and competitively.
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