Description
Closes: December 6, 2026
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. Our service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon.
The Enterprise Technology group at Avista is seeking motivated, energetic, and inquisitive students with a career path in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Development, AI/Machine Learning, or other related fields to join the Enterprise Technology team 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.
Avista Student Development Program - Internship Details
Our Student Development Program gives students the opportunity to work in and with several different departments within Avista. 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. Our goal is to help students learn as much as possible about the utility industry. Multiple opportunities may be available in the following areas:
Central Systems Engineering: Work alongside Avista's Systems Engineering teams to improve the reliability, security, and maintainability of the technology platforms that support the business. Interns may assist with server and infrastructure administration, communications and collaboration technologies, cloud services, automation, monitoring, documentation, and lifecycle improvements across enterprise systems.
Cybersecurity: Support Avista's cybersecurity team in safeguarding critical control systems, operational technology (OT), and enterprise IT infrastructure. Interns may gain exposure to industrial control systems (ICS), security event monitoring, vulnerability management, threat detection technologies, and cybersecurity operations. Opportunities may also include working with Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms and processes that help ensure the right individuals have appropriate access to critical systems and information.
Data/Integrations: Support Avista's Data & Integrations team in developing, maintaining, and enhancing the data platforms and integration services that connect business applications across the organization. Interns may gain hands-on experience with data analytics, data quality, data bases, system integrations, APIs, data pipelines, reporting solutions, and cloud-based data technologies. Working alongside experienced professionals, interns will help support the secure and reliable flow of information between systems while gaining valuable insight into how data and integrations enable business operations, informed decision-making, and digital transformation initiatives.
Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old.
Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time for the 2027-2028 academic year at a college or university earning a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems/Management Information Systems (MIS), Cybersecurity, Data Science/Data Analytics, Software Development, AI/Machine Learning, or another related field.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and comfortable working with large amounts of data.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a professional team environment.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
This internship will require an on-site presence at our Spokane, Washington headquarters.
Student Specialist Tech-1 (Freshman), Starting Salary: $19.51 per hour Student Specialist Tech-2 (Sophomore), Starting Salary: $21.46 per hourStudent Specialist Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $23.60 per hourStudent Specialist Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $25.96 per hourStudent Specialist Tech (Graduate Student), Starting Salary: $32.13 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 , cover letter , and unofficial transcript to your profile. In your cover letter, share what interests you about the utility industry and/or Avista. We encourage you to discuss the experiences, interest, goals, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate for the Student Development Program.
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 $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 (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 if you would like assistance.
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.
