Salary: DOQ

Learn more about this position and apply today at the Avista website.

Job Description:

Under general supervision, Environmental Specialist provides permitting support for construction, maintenance, and natural resource projects occurring at Avista’s Spokane River Hydroelectric Developments. The Specialist role engages a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders including engineers, natural resource leads, project managers, dam operators, planners, contractors, regulators and more. Evaluates proposed projects for regulatory and permit applicability by reviewing and analyzing project scope, work methods and other related potential environmental impacts.

Provides 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 environmental and land-use permitting process through all stages including planning, applicability determination, application, public notice, negotiation, permit issuance, implementation and on-site construction/compliance monitoring. Monitors and maintains tracking systems to ensure both real-time and long-term accurate and complete records of all permitting processes, permits and work.

Proactively establishes and maintains open communication and strong relationships with the local, state, municipal, federal permitting and regulatory agencies. Coordinates closely with Avista’s Hydro Operations, Power Supply, Communications and Environmental staff to thoroughly understand project scopes, then must prepare, and submit permit applications, plans and documents required to successfully initiate and complete projects.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings, stays abreast of new plans, policies and regulations affecting permitting and land use in and around hydro facilities. Maintains knowledge and awareness of Washington’s legal framework for planning, including the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA), architecture, urban design, site planning, environmental science, and community relations, as well as with Idaho equivalent requirements.

Continuously seeks and implements methods to improve the quality and efficiency of permitting processes and other duties.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university in an applicable field, such as planning, environmental policy, environmental science, or related field, with zero to three years of professional experience.
  • Master’s degree preferred and may be required for specific positions.
  • 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.
  • Requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in writing/grammar. 
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, is essential.
  • Computer skills proficiency required including standard office software as well as GIS or other more specialized applications.

To Apply:

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”.

Important COVID-19 Guidance for Candidates:

Avista Corporation is currently required under state law to provide workers who are vaccinated against COVID-19 for certain projects with state agencies. Additionally, Avista Corporation anticipates that in the near future, it may be required under law to ensure that all employees are vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have an approved exemption and accommodation for a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief precluding vaccination. By completing this application, you certify that you understand and acknowledge this potential for a mandatory vaccination policy.

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 and Affirmative Action:

Avista is committed to the goal of Equal Opportunity Employment and Affirmative Action. 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 law.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. 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 let us know if you would like assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)