Research Intern - Tribal Collaborations

Closes: April 19, 2026

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.

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Research Analysis Intern to support our Tribal Collaborations activity. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that strengthens relationships with Tribal communities in our service territory. Interns will gain hands-on experience in research, documentation, and data visualization, while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals. At Avista, we are committed to respectful and collaborative Tribal engagement, and this role plays a key part in strengthening our relationships with Tribes to enable mutually beneficial outcomes with individual sovereign nations.

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. As a Research Analysis Intern, you will:

• Conduct research on Tribal history, governance, cultural resources, and relevant environmental or regulatory issues.
• Collect static information to develop Tribal Overviews for individual Tribes and Native-serving organizations within Avista’s service territory. Responsible for organizing that information into provided Tribal Overview template report.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and documentation for internal stakeholders.
• Support data collection of Tribal-related projects, activities, and initiatives across Avista’s operational business units, customer programs, etc.
• Track Tribal-related legislation, regulations, and policies as they relate to energy sovereignty.

This internship is expected to start as soon as possible, beginning part-time for the remainder of the school year and transitioning to full-time during the summer. Opportunities to continue part-time during the following school year may be available.

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time for the 2026–2027 academic year at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Native American Studies, Law, Anthropology, Sociology, History, or a related field

• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills

• Research and analytical skills with attention to detail

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to work independently, successfully develop and manage relationships, and work effectively with individuals across all levels of the organization

• Experience working with or within Tribal communities and/or familiarity with Tribal governance, sovereignty, or cultural protocols preferred

This internship requires an on-site presence at our Spokane, Washington headquarters. 

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

Student General Tech-2 (Sophomore), Starting Salary: $19.90 per hour

Student General Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $20.29 per hour

Student General Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $20.70 per hour

Student General Tech (Graduate Student), Starting Salary: $27.12 per hour

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 $19.51 to $27.12 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 - $27