Environmental Scientist/Specialist - Land Use… at Avista · Spokane

Summary: Avista is a company focused on environmental and energy solutions, and they are seeking an Environmental Scientist/Specialist to provide regulatory analysis and permitting for various construction and maintenance projects. The role involves ensuring environmental and cultural resource compliance throughout all project stages, while also managing the permitting process and maintaining relationships with regulatory agencies. 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 Required 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 - Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience required for Environmental Scientist I - Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience required for Environmental Scientist II - 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 Preferred 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 Required Skills: Environmental compliance, Regulatory analysis, Technical writing Important Skills: GIS proficiency, Project management Nice-to-Have Skills: Collaborative relationships, Planning skills, Fieldwork experience, Communication skills, Organizational skills Benefits: 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)