Physical Security Intern (Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Security Studies, Cybersecurity Majors)

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. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon.

At Avista, the Physical Security team is responsible for protecting our people, facilities, and critical infrastructure that powers the communities we serve. Through a combination of security technology, risk assessments, incident response, and security program management, the team works to safeguard essential operations and support organizational resilience. This opportunity provides valuable insight into how physical security helps protect critical assets and ensures the safe, reliable delivery of essential services to our customers and communities.

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. As the Physical Security Intern, you'll get the chance to:

• Support security operations, emergency management, and compliance initiatives to protect Avista’s energy infrastructure.

• Assist with monitoring systems, risk assessments, policy updates, and researching emerging security threats.

• Get exposure and experience in real-world security operations.

• Collaborate with experienced security professionals & business partners while contributing towards initiatives involving facility security, security technology, compliance activities, risk management, program development and incident response.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full time in college earning a degree in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Security Studies, Cybersecurity, or another related field.

• 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 hour

Student Specialist Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $23.60 per hour

Student Specialist Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $25.96 per hour

Student 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. 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.