Application Guide

How to Apply for Project Development Associate

at Generate Capital

🏢 About Generate Capital

Generate Capital is a leading sustainable infrastructure company that finances, owns, and operates projects like community solar, storage, and water systems. They are unique for their focus on 'infrastructure as a service' and their mission-driven approach to building a cleaner, more resilient economy.

About This Role

As a Project Development Associate, you will be the linchpin in executing the final stages of community solar projects, from real estate tracking to utility engagement. This role is impactful because you directly enable the transition to clean energy by overcoming last-mile hurdles that often delay or derail projects.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing real estate documents for a new project, calling a utility to confirm interconnection timelines, and updating a project tracker for incentive program milestones. You'll also collaborate with Project Managers on construction status and respond to financing partners' requests for documentation.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Generate Capital Is Looking For

  • Has 2-4 years of experience in renewable energy development, specifically in community solar, with a proven track record of managing real estate agreements and permitting.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of state and local regulations in Illinois and New York, including incentive programs like NY-Sun and Illinois Solar for All.
  • Excels at cross-functional communication, able to coordinate between landowners, utilities, permit agencies, and internal teams with clarity and diplomacy.
  • Is highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of tracking multiple project milestones and operational obligations simultaneously.

📝 Tips for Applying to Generate Capital

1

Highlight specific community solar projects you've worked on, especially those in Illinois or New York, and quantify your impact (e.g., 'Managed real estate for 15 MW of community solar, securing 20 landowner agreements').

2

Demonstrate your familiarity with incentive programs by mentioning specific program names (e.g., 'Navigated the Illinois Adjustable Block Program and NY-Sun incentive structure').

3

Showcase your ability to handle third-party financing deliverables by providing an example of a successful financing close you supported.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize 'last-mile' tasks like permitting, utility interconnection, and construction support rather than early-stage development.

5

Include a brief note in your cover letter or email about your passion for sustainable infrastructure and how your values align with Generate Capital's mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your hands-on experience with community solar development, especially in the last-mile phase (real estate, permits, utilities).', "Mention specific regulatory knowledge of Illinois and New York incentive programs and how you've successfully navigated them.", 'Highlight your project management skills with concrete examples of coordinating multiple stakeholders and tracking complex deliverables.', "Express enthusiasm for Generate Capital's 'infrastructure as a service' model and how it aligns with your career goals."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Generate Capital's recent press releases and case studies on their community solar portfolio to understand their project types and partners.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the specific incentive programs in Illinois (Adjustable Block Program) and New York (NY-Sun, Value of Distributed Energy Resources).
  • → Review the company's website section on 'Infrastructure as a Service' to grasp their business model and how your role supports it.
  • → Look up the key people on the project development team on LinkedIn to understand the team structure and potential reporting lines.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a community solar project you developed from start to finish, focusing on the last-mile tasks.
2 How would you handle a situation where a landowner is delaying signing a lease agreement?
3 Describe your experience with utility interconnection processes and any challenges you've faced.
4 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines?
5 What is your understanding of the Illinois Adjustable Block Program and how it differs from NY-Sun?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention community solar or the specific states (IL/NY).
  • Overemphasizing early-stage development (e.g., site identification) when the role focuses on last-mile execution.
  • Failing to quantify your experience or provide specific examples of regulatory navigation.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Generate Capital!

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