Research Intern - Tribal Collaborations

Avista • Spokane, WA

6d • $20 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Internship Details

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

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: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees