Hydro Compliance Specialist

Avista • Spokane, WA

6d • $68,027 - $141,339 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is critical to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of
Avista’s dams—work that directly protects people, communities, and essential
infrastructure. The position leads ongoing monitoring, coordination, and
reporting of federal and state dam safety requirements, ensuring all regulatory
commitments are met accurately, clearly, and on time.

You will develop and maintain deep expertise in dam safety compliance,
documentation standards, personnel requirements, and record‑keeping practices.
Strong writing skills are essential, as you will be responsible for preparing
clear, precise, and well‑organized regulatory filings, reports, and
correspondence that meet strict agency standards.

Acting as a trusted internal resource, you’ll help Avista employees understand
and apply regulatory obligations while coordinating and communicating with state
and federal agencies as needed. Success in this role depends on exceptional
attention to detail, the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements
into clear written guidance, and effective collaboration across departments to
ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.

As a key member of the interdepartmental Dam Safety Core Team, you will
facilitate communication, support problem‑solving efforts, and contribute to
continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Requirements

• Requires an Associates degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university or equivalent certification from business school in business, accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in compliance, legal, accounting, document management/retention or related office environments.
• Adaptable and effective interpersonal and communication skills to work with all organizational levels, senior leaders, and external organizations.
• Ability to be flexible to changing priorities.
• Individual must possess an intermediate to advanced knowledge of computer software, such as MS Suite, shared drives, tracking systems, etc.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage dam safety compliance to ensure adherence to federal and state regulatory requirements, proactively identifying and addressing compliance risks.
• Maintain expert knowledge of evolving hydro regulations, submittal standards, and compliance obligations; document, track, and communicate requirements, deadlines, dependencies, and key regulatory correspondence.
• Lead and coordinate the preparation, review, drafting, and submittal of regulatory filings, exhibits, plans, and records in collaboration with engineers, project managers, consultants, and subject matter experts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.
• Serve as the primary internal point of contact for regulatory audits, investigations, and non compliance matters, including supporting root cause analysis and recommending corrective actions.
• Manage and maintain hydro compliance records and tracking systems, including record retention, reporting, system troubleshooting, and partnering with Enterprise Technology to enhance tools and processes.
• Develop, standardize, and document compliance templates, procedures, and workflows; initiate awareness of upcoming compliance tasks and coordinate resolution of issues to meet regulatory obligations.
• Support and deliver hydro compliance education, training, emergency preparedness activities, and stakeholder outreach, including workshops, exercises, presentations, and reporting of compliance and environmental metrics.

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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees