Closes: July 8, 2026

Job Description

The Innovation Lab Project Manager supports Avista's most innovative and emerging initiatives, where projects often begin without a defined roadmap. This role requires a self-starter who can independently identify project needs, bring structure to ambiguity, and lead work from concept through execution. The position manages utility capital and grant-funded projects, including responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder coordination. Success in this role depends on strong experience with grant invoicing and accounting, utility civil and electrical construction, and a solid understanding of project delivery in the utility industry.

This role will define project charter, scope, objectives, budget, and schedule; identify stakeholders and establish project team with agreed upon roles and responsibilities; coordinate the activities or efforts of the project team; obtain commitment on detailed work plans including but not limited to schedule, cost, resources, contingency and communication plans; participate in the bid/award activities for contracts or partnering agreements; obtain management approval as needed; ensure project documentation is maintained; identify, analyze, and address project performance issues such as budget overages or scheduling delays; manage the integration of vendor tasks and track and review vendor deliverables; communicate project status to all stakeholders; assess project risk and develop contingency plans; and identify and communicate lessons learned and best practices. Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state and national codes, laws, regulations, and records requirements. Coordinates all phases (initiation/design/execution/close out) of the project at numerous locations within the service territory.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery on scope, budget, timeline, quality, and stakeholder expectations.
• Develop and manage project plans, communication strategies, change management processes, and deliverables.
• Apply project management techniques to monitor progress, manage risks, and implement creative solutions for challenges.
• Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and life-cycle cost evaluations; ensure alignment with business strategy and ROI goals.
• Acquire and manage contracted resources, including performance feedback and resolution of contract changes.
• Participate in negotiations and partnering agreements with external firms; advanced levels may lead these efforts.
• Analyze key performance indicators to improve project outcomes and support process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and business unit leaders to define opportunities and ensure strategic alignment.
• Manage complex or undefined projects requiring innovative approaches and significant risk management.
• Mentor other Project Managers and contribute to department best practices.

Requirements

Project Manager I:

• BA/BS from an accredited college or university in a field of study that is relevant to the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Requires valid driver's license
• Associate level project management certification, such as Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM), or ability to obtain within one year
• 3+ years' relevant experience including 1 year of construction or other technical project management experience
• Manage a team and personal dynamics to effectively drive projects forward, lead project meetings, develop creative and innovative solutions, and build relationships with internal/ external stakeholders

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838

Project Manager II:

• BA/BS from an accredited college or university in a field of study that is relevant to the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Requires valid driver's license
• Professional level project management certification, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or ability to obtain within one year
• 5+ years' relevant experience including 3 years of construction or other technical project management experience
• Manage multiple teams and personal dynamics to drive projects forward, work effectively with senior staff members and management, manage unique resource group for the delivery of projects, lead complex project meetings, demonstrate knowledge of projects and technical requirements from relevant functional area, and lead process improvement initiatives

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

Project Manager III includes the above requirements plus:

• Professional level project management certification. (I.E. Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM))
• 7+ years of related or relevant experience including 6 years of construction or other technical project management experience
• Ability to demonstrate advanced knowledge of and competency in project management and technical requirements from relevant functional area, lead the most complex and technical projects in the functional area, effectively collaborate with external regulatory, governmental, business, or customer groups, and work with senior management, building agreement and influencing

Hiring Range: $114,207 to $150,183

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Scott Morris Center (Innovation Lab) in Spokane, Washington at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.

To ApplyWe 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 $88,336 to $186,159. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [redacted]

Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.