Contractor Inspector Lead - Temporary (Up to 24 months)

Closes: July 29, 2026

The Lead Contractor Inspector directs, controls, and coordinates contract work. This position oversees inspection work with a team of internal and external inspectors. As needed, the Lead Contractor Inspector facilitates crew onboarding, highlighting safety expectations and Avista practices/standards. As a standards subject matter expert, this position provides technical assistance to the Asset Maintenance team.

• Collaborates with project managers and operations leadership at a strategic level to plan and execute construction and inspection work. Addresses construction barriers and obstacles. Initiates process and tool development to aid on construction planning, estimating and job tracking.
• Provides work direction and communication to a team of inspectors responsible for ensuring quality contract construction work. Creates quality assurance specifications. Creates and delivers inspector training. Advises on field changes. Verifies inspectors’ performance.
• Directs, coordinates and controls contract work. Facilitates design and contracting process for field work. Critical contributor during pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
• Drives project performance by preparing job cost estimates and scope of work documentation. Actively involved in RFP and contracting process. Leads negotiations as well as formal partnering agreements with contractor’s General Foreman & Superintendent on behalf of Avista.
• Acts as a subject matter expert on Avista construction design standards and construction feasibility and specifications. Recommends changes in specifications.
• Provides critical feedback during design reviews to maximize project value and incorporate best practices. Advises on construction methods, construction process, and makes changes as needed. Operates using independent judgement to approve field changes.
• Coordinates contractor support and onboarding of mutual aid inspectors during Emergency Operations Procedure (EOP) events on behalf of the company. Provides back-up support to other Lead Contractor Inspectors across departments as needed.
• Reviews invoices for labor and materials for accuracy, and processes accordingly.

• Five plus (5 ) years of inspection experience in construction and/or ten plus (10 ) years with electric utility operations, construction practices and standards experience
• Leadership experience as a foreman or general foreman preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of electric line construction maps and drawings, basic electricity, line safety, right of way and accounting procedures
• Extensive working knowledge of state, national and federal codes and regulations
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of job estimating, bidding, negotiation, contract administration and managing projects
• Demonstrated effectiveness with customer engagement
• Proficient computer skills including applications for work management and financial systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496

This position is temporary status. Throughout the duration of the role, an employee's employment and benefit status will be that of a temporary employee. This role may be filled on a regular basis without further competition at the conclusion of the assignment by the employee selected for the temporary status role.

This position requires an in-person presence to support team and on-site responsibilities.

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/ (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 $100,378 to $132,614. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com (mailto: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 (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters). 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 (mailto:humanresources@avistacorp.com) if you would like assistance.

Licenses & Certifications

• NERC Background Check

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.