Water Rights Specialist & Hydro Archivist

Closes:

March 17, 2026

Job Description

This position administers the utility’s water rights portfolio and oversees Environmental Affairs archival processes to ensure compliance, operational continuity, and long-term resource stewardship. The role serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies, legal counsel, and internal teams to align water rights strategy with organizational goals and environmental commitments.

In addition, this position develops and maintains archival systems for environmental and generation records, ensuring accurate cataloging, preservation, and accessibility of critical documents. Duties include implementing digital document management, new technology solutions for data integrity, and maintaining compliance tracking systems. The role supports hydro licensing, dam safety, and environmental compliance in advancing best practices in records management and archival process development.

Responsibilities

- Lead and administer the utility’s water rights program, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and long-term resource stewardship. [

- Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison with regulatory agencies, legal counsel, internal stakeholders, and community partners on water rights matters.

- Integrate water rights considerations into strategic planning, risk assessments, capital projects, and operational decision-making.

- Maintain and manage the utility’s water rights inventory, including permits, certificates, adjudications, transfers, and required reporting.

- Analyze water rights data to identify risks, opportunities, and impacts related to water availability, regulatory changes, and infrastructure planning.

- Lead development and oversight of environmental and hydro archival systems, ensuring accurate preservation, accessibility, and compliance with regulatory requirements (including FERC).

- Implement and improve digital document management and records management practices, supporting data integrity and long-term information preservation.

- Provide research support, training, and guidance to internal teams related to water rights, records management, and archival resources.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Law, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred

- Minimum 6 years of experience in water rights management, environmental compliance, paralegal, regulatory, research, or related work required

- Demonstrated understanding of water law, permitting and adjudication processes, and/or other regulatory framework experience preferred

- Familiarity with electronic document management systems preferred

- Effective analytical skills, process orientation, and business savvy; ability to work independently and manage complex, detail-oriented tasks; effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills

- Demonstrated 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

- Comfortable in office and field situations representing the company and interacting with a wide variety of utility staff, agency regulators, tribes, and other stakeholders

- Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing technological advancements, particularly in data preservation

- Research experience with dedication and determination to pursue difficult-to-find information

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered.

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838

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 additional day(s) determined by the 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 $88,336 to $141,339. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com

. Pre-employment Screening Requirements

This position is considered safety sensitive by Avista Corporation for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test (including cannabis) 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.