Entry Level GIS Technician

Job Title: Distribution Designer
Job Description
This role focuses on performing detailed design work for utility and distribution projects, including the preparation of complex drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for review and approval by a responsible engineer. The Distribution Designer supports a range of engineering disciplines and ensures that designs align with industry standards, project requirements, and schedule commitments.
Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings of a complex nature with a high level of accuracy and neatness.
• Develop and update design documents in accordance with applicable drawings, specifications, and industry and company standards for assigned work.
• Participate in the preparation of cost estimates, specifications, technical evaluations, and material requisitions to support project planning and execution.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations to support design decisions and ensure compliance with technical requirements.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries and design development activities to align with project schedules and milestones.
• Acquire on-site field data to support design activities, verify existing conditions, and monitor or evaluate equipment performance as needed.
• Apply a thorough understanding of practices and procedures in one or more technical areas such as electrical engineering, distribution engineering, substation design, transmission design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, surveying, GIS and mapping, or CADD.
• Work with minimal supervision while managing multiple design-related tasks and contributing to the successful completion of projects.
• Demonstrate leadership and technical capability by collaborating effectively with engineers, designers, and other project stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Thorough knowledge of practices and procedures in one or more of the following areas: electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, transmission design, substation design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, distribution engineering, surveying, GIS and mapping, and CADD.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design (CAD) tools for preparing complex design and construction drawings.
• Ability to perform design services requiring a full understanding of drawings, specifications, and industry and company standards.
• Experience preparing or assisting with cost estimates, specifications, evaluations, and requisitions.
• Ability to assist in the preparation of engineering calculations to support design work.
• Capability to coordinate equipment deliveries and design development to meet established project schedules.
• Ability to acquire and interpret on-site field data to support design activities and evaluate equipment performance.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision while handling a variety of design-related duties.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a technical or design-related role if no degree is held.
• Demonstrated leadership and technical capability to perform assigned job duties and responsibilities effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a environmental, GIS , technical field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0-1 Experience in utility design and electrical design, particularly within distribution engineering environments.

Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based and involves working with design and engineering software such as AutoCAD, CAD/CADD systems, and GIS tools. The role may require occasional field visits to collect on-site data or observe equipment performance. Once fully trained, there is an opportunity for flexible hours and the possibility to work from home up to two days per week, subject to business needs and leadership discretion. The work environment emphasizes collaboration with engineers and other technical professionals in a structured, professional setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.50 - $24.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.