Closes: March 15, 2026

Job Description
This Environmental Scientist/Specialist position provides regulatory analysis and permitting for all electrical transmission & distribution, natural gas, non-hydro generation and service facilities construction and maintenance projects. The Specialist works with project leads to ensure environmental and cultural resource compliance through all stages of projects.

Responsibilities

Evaluate non-hydro proposed projects for regulatory and permit applicability including scope, work methods and other related potential environmental impacts.
Provide project lead(s) with permitting recommendations to complete project work in a timely and efficient manner, including other strategic approaches or options when available.
Manages the complete environmental and land-use permitting process through all stages including:
Planning, Applicability, Application, Public Notice, Negotiation, Permit Issuance, Implementation and On-site Construction/Compliance Monitoring. Keeps accurate and complete records of all work.
Selects and manages the proper contractor and/or specialized resources needed to acquire permits in a timely and efficient manner.
Proactively establishes and maintains open communication and strong relationships with the local, state, municipal, and federal agencies.
Proactively establishes and maintains open communication (including training) with internal personnel, regarding environmental and land use permitting, and cultural resource regulations.
Seeks and implements methods to improve the quality and efficiency of permitting processes and other duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university in an applicable field, such as biology, geology, chemistry, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, environmental science, or related field
Must demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of experience or specialization
Comfortable in office and field situations representing the company and interacting with a wide variety of utility staff, agency regulators, tribes, and other stakeholders
Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in writing/grammar
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and to communicate clearly is essential
Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes
Computer skills proficiency required including standard office software, GIS or other specialized applications
Valid Driver's License

Environmental Scientist I:

Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience required

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754

Environmental Scientist II:

Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience
Proficiency in creating clear, concise, and well-structured technical documentation, including reports, manuals, process guides, etc. Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable content for various audiences
Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes
Ability to successfully develop and maintain collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486

Desired Qualifications

Experience preparing regulatory permit applications as well as developing regulatory compliance strategies for a variety of project types
Fundamental understanding of electric and gas utility work activities; how they are accomplished and their associated compliance risks and obligations
Background and experience in federal, state and local environmental and land-use regulation and permitting strategies for NEPA, Special Use Permits, SEPA, Army Corp, Wetlands, ESA, Cultural Resources, etc. with existing relationships with regulatory staff in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon
Advanced technical writing skills and critical thinking. The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a team and be expected to manage projects to completion

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with an additional day determined by the employee and manager.

To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
Education and development support including tuition assistance
Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $68,027 to $123,376. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com.

Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.

Avista Corporation

New Jobs

Environmental Scientist/Specialist - Land Use Permitting and Compliance