Distribution Field Technician

Distribution Field Technician

The Distribution Field Technician supports the design, inspection, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems by preparing detailed field notes, drawings, specifications, and design estimates. This role combines field work and office-based engineering support, requiring strong technical aptitude, analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with engineers, utility personnel, and other stakeholders. The technician helps ensure that electrical and related infrastructure is designed and maintained in accordance with safety codes, engineering standards, and best industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain comprehensive field notes, drawings, specifications, and design estimates to support electrical distribution projects.
• Acquire and apply a working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), national engineering standards, utility construction standards, and best industry engineering practices.
• Develop broad knowledge of engineering disciplines, including design and constructability as they relate to construction methods, materials, and project economics.
• Maintain production and quality standards for assigned projects, including organizing and managing field data, photographs, engineering analysis, reports, and departmental databases in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Prepare and modify electrical and roadway drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, graphs, and complete construction drawing packages.
• Perform field technical services related to the operation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems, including system inventories and audits.
• Conduct joint use management and permitting activities in the field, supporting coordination of shared utility facilities.
• Perform pad-mount inspections and ground-line pole inspections to assess equipment and infrastructure condition.
• Support metering and apparatus services and conduct lighting audits as required.
• Collect field data using laptop computers, tablets, GPS units, and other electronic devices, and input collected data into database software accurately and efficiently.
• Develop a working knowledge of telephone, cable, and other communication facilities associated with utility infrastructure.
• Operate necessary test and measurement equipment to take accurate measurements on utility poles and mid-span facilities, perform pole inspections, and inspect and maintain pad-mount equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support project and operational needs.
• Present ideas effectively in both formal and informal situations, adapting communication style to audience and context.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing, including email correspondence, and demonstrate sound ethics in all communications.
• Keep supervisors and coworkers informed of project status, field conditions, and any issues affecting safety, quality, or schedule.
• Share complete and accurate information with team members, clients, and external agencies, and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma is required.
• Associate's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred for entry-level candidates.
• 1+ years of electric utility or telecommunications field experience is preferred.
• Ability to acquire and apply working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications is desired.
• Ability to use engineering software tools; experience with AutoCAD or similar programs is preferred.
• Capability to prepare, modify, and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, and graphs.
• Skill in operating test equipment and measurement tools for utility poles, mid-span facilities, and pad-mount equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly and professionally.
• Ability to interact constructively with engineers, utility personnel, and external clients and agencies.
• Valid and clear driver's license, with the ability to travel to surrounding utility territories as needed.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying field conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred and supports growth in the role.
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is preferred and beneficial for field decision-making.
• Experience in electric utility or telecommunications field work (1+ years preferred) is an advantage.
• Experience using AutoCAD or comparable design software is preferred for preparing and modifying engineering drawings.
• Proficient use of engineering software beyond basic office applications is preferred.
• No specific professional certifications are required for this role.
• Demonstrated ability to work with technical documentation such as schematics, blueprints, and test equipment manuals.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate field conditions, interpret engineering data, and support design and constructability decisions.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in the field, working outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions within utility territories. The technician regularly travels to distribution sites, utility poles, pad-mount equipment locations, and roadway areas to perform inspections, measurements, and data collection. Work involves the use of laptops, tablets, GPS devices, test equipment, and other electronic tools to capture and record field data. The environment is hands-on and technical, requiring attention to safety procedures and adherence to industry standards while working around electrical and communication infrastructure. Dress is practical and appropriate for outdoor field work, with suitable attire and protective gear to support safe and comfortable performance of duties.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Asheville, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Asheville, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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