Environmental Scientist/Specialist - Land Use Permitting and Compliance

Closes: July 7, 2025

Starting Range: $65,410 to $96,621

Full Range: $65,410 to $118,631

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

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

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.

Environmental Scientist I: Hiring Range: $65,410 - $84,379, Full Range: $65,410 - $103,347

Environmental Scientist II: Hiring Range: $74,611 - $96,621, Full Range: $74,611 - $118,631

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 step progressions to account for an incoming employee's various levels of 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".

Benefits

At Avista, we believe our employees are essential. Through them we deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve. The physical, mental, and financial health and well-being of our employees and their families are important to us. We are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards program comprised of an externally competitive, internally equitable compensation structure and a benefits package that allows us to retain and attract a diverse, engaged, and skilled workforce. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement benefits, incentive plans, wellness resources, time-off programs and much more. In addition to our total rewards program, the Pacific Northwest offers abundant outdoor recreation, four distinct seasons, and all the amenities and activities an individual or family might be interested in. To learn more, please visit our benefits website at .

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 ... if you would like assistance.