Operations Meteorologist

Closes: May 24, 2026

Job Description

The Operations Meteorologist plays a critical role in supporting utility operations by providing expert meteorological analysis to assess conditions and communicating potential impacts to the company, specifically regarding wildfire risk. This position supports the wildfire mitigation team, grid operators, and emergency response units, combining atmospheric science with real-time operational decision-making to help protect infrastructure, ensure public safety, and support regulatory compliance. This role is expected to engage external agencies, such as National Weather Service, regarding weather forecasts and potential impacts.

Responsibilities

• Monitors, analyzes and reports to senior management real-time weather conditions and expected forecasts on a recurring basis during weather events.
• Provides weekly and daily operational weather forecasts, including fire weather outlooks to allow preparedness and proactive resource availability in the case of pending severe weather.
• Prepares and disseminates non-routine operational weather reports prior to and during significant weather events, including hazardous fire weather events, winter storms, heat waves, and thunderstorm outbreaks.
• Provides real-time and forecast weather information during Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) activations as requested.
• Oversees Avista weather products, including the Fire Potential Index and weather stations. Responsible for overseeing vendor contracts and product integrations into risk models.
• Utilizes various information sources and atmospheric outlook models to develop short and long-term seasonal weather forecasts to allow preparedness and proactive resource availability.
• Supports the development of analytical tools for the Avista Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Attends various internal and external meetings related to weather as a subject matter expert.
• Continually maintains and enhances procedures for monitoring Avistas weather network and associated alerting. Improves real-time and operational forecasts through process improvements via new technologies and advancements.
• Supports post-event analysis and reporting for regulatory and operational reviews.
• Liaise with external agencies such as the National Weather Service (NWS), Washington DNR and Idaho Department of Lands, and local emergency management offices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related field required
• Meteorologic Certificate required or ability to obtain within one year
• Seven plus (7+) years experience in meteorology with at least two (2) years in utilities preferred
• Working knowledge of meteorological processes, climatology, forecasting techniques, and weather model analysis
• Experience in fire weather forecasting/incident meteorology
• Familiarity with fire weather indices (e.g., Haines Index, Fosberg Fire Weather Index) and modeling tools
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and meteorological software (e.g., WRF, HRRR, AWIPS)
• Advanced communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Ability to work under pressure during emergency events and outside of normal business hours when needed

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

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

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

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 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 $100,378 to $162,614. 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.