Project Management Intern (Enterprise Technology, Energy Resources, Energy Delivery)

Closes: January 4, 2025

Job Description
Avista is an energy company involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses located in Spokane, Washington. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon.

The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) at Avista is seeking motivated, energetic, and inquisitive students with a career path in Information Technology, Computer Science, Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Finance/Accounting, or Business Administration to join the Enterprise Project Management Office for a paid summer internship program. The ideal candidate has a passion for customer service, is looking to develop their breadth of technical knowledge, and is excited about knowledge sharing and outreach. Opportunities available for various majors for students to enhance their field of study in the utility industry and gain valuable work experience critical to their future success in the job market. This is an excellent opportunity to learn project management fundamentals in a dynamic utility setting while supporting critical infrastructure projects!

Our internship program gives students the opportunity to work in and with several different departments within Avista, and the program is geared around student development. Students will be assigned a formal mentor, participate in learning sessions about various parts of Avista, and join tours to Avista facilities including some of our hydroelectric dams. Our goal is to help students learn as much as possible about the utility industry. Opportunities are available in the following project management teams:

• Enterprise Technology: The Enterprise Technology PMO intern will support project managers in planning and executing technology initiatives, assist with documentation and progress tracking, coordinate communication among stakeholders, and contribute ideas to improve processes. You’ll also participate in meetings, perform research, and help identify and resolve risks—gaining hands-on experience with real-world projects that drive innovative technology initiatives.
• Energy Resources: The Energy Resources PMO intern is responsible for working with the Project Manager to organize and implement new and existing construction projects at our generation facilities, both Hydro and Thermal. Working in a team environment you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and providing administrative support for Avista's Project Manager teams. This role works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders on project related issues. This role interacts and is a member of a self-directed, collaborative, and interdependent team.
• Energy Delivery: The Energy Delivery PMO intern will gain hands-on experience supporting substation and transmission construction projects. You’ll work closely with Project Managers and Project Coordinators to organize, track, and implement new and ongoing projects that strengthen our energy delivery infrastructure. You will assist with planning, scheduling, and documentation for high-voltage transmission and substation work, providing administrative and coordination support to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. You’ll collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to discuss and resolve project-related issues—all while contributing to a self-directed, collaborative team environment focused on delivering reliable energy to our customers. 

• Assists project managers in the development and review of all types of department projects.
• Monitor timeline changes and communicate new information to team; including project changes and adjustment to schedules.
• Assists in developing, drafting, writing and administration of contracts and maintains contracts database and working files.
• Able to manage small projects from scope, contract, contraction through go-live/commissioning, and Transfer to Plant.
• In partnership with Project Manager ensures project aligns with set strategy and budget.
• Support Project Managers with the facilitation and delivery of lessons learned post project documentation. 
• Assists Project Managers with all developing, drafting, and managing all project artifacts.
• Manages submittal requirements between external contractors and the project team.
• Works with the Project Manager to develop agendas, facilitate project team meetings, records and disseminates meeting minutes, action items, and decisions.
• Supports Project Manager in all forecasting, budget actualization, and material procurement/tracking.
• Tracks action items and ensures timely follow-up with stakeholders.
• Assists in coordinating site visits, conducting safety inspections, and managing contractor schedules.
• Supports Project Managers in forecasting and tracking costs against estimates.
• Conducts miscellaneous tasks supporting the project team and department as assigned.

Student Specialist Tech-1 (Freshman), Starting Salary: $19.51 per hour 

Student Specialist Tech-2 (Sophomore), Starting Salary: $21.46 per hour

Student Specialist Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $23.60 per hour

Student Specialist Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $25.96 per hour

Student Specialist Tech (Graduate Student), Starting Salary: $32.13 per hour

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

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".

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 and bonus programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Generous 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
• Many other elective benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more

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 $19.51 to $32.13 per hour. 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.

Salary : $20 - $32