Learn more about the wind energy industry and renewable energy by reading publications such as Windpower Monthly (https://www.windpowermonthly.com) and Renewable Energy Magazine (https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com). You can also talk to wind energy industry workers about their careers. Ask your schools career services office for help with setting up an interview. A part-time or summer job in a wind energy company is also a great way to gain experience in this field while making valuable connections. Search for jobs on Web sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired. Also search the career sections of companies Web sites to see job descriptions and current openings.

Wind energy operations managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of wind field equipment and structures. They make sure that wind energy towers, transformers, and electrical collector systems are maintained and operating correctly and according to industry standards. They also oversee the maintenance of the roadways and other assets on the wind field sites.

Wind energy operations managers hire and supervise wind energy company employees and subcontractors, making sure the quality of the work complies with safety regulations and policies. They may train or coordinate the training of workers in operations, safety, environmental issues, and technical issues. They keep track of operations by maintaining records of work orders, site inspection forms, and other types of documentation. They also estimate wind field operations costs and create and maintain operations budgets.

Other tasks that wind energy operations managers may have include reviewing and negotiating wind farm contracts, managing warranty repairs and replacement services, and ordering parts, tools, and equipment needed for wind field operations. They work closely with a variety of people, from workers and subcontractors, land owners, and site managers, to developers, utility representatives, customers, and residents. 

The job entails strong knowledge of various computer software programs. The types of programs that wind energy operations managers use regularly on the job include facilities management software, such as computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); industrial control software, such as programmable logic controller (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA); e-mail software like Microsoft Outlook; and Microsoft Office and Excel for reports and documents.