Distribution Technician

Distribution Technician

The Distribution Technician designs and supports overhead and underground electric distribution systems, preparing detailed construction documentation and collaborating closely with engineers and experienced distribution system designers. This role combines field work and office-based design activities, including data collection, drafting, and the preparation of cost estimates and materials lists, while ensuring all work complies with established standards and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and independently prepare construction orders for overhead and underground facilities associated with electric distribution systems, applying prescribed standards, guides, specifications, and procedures.
• Apply established standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, and procedures, as well as appropriate industry standards, when preparing layouts of overhead and underground electric distribution facilities.
• Prepare detailed design sketches, cost estimates, bills of materials, and other required documents and reports for construction and maintenance projects.
• Assist in performing load studies on distribution transformers and investigate circuit overloads and voltage complaints to determine necessary corrective actions.
• Contact landowners and their representatives to negotiate Rights of Way (easements) for proposed utility equipment and obtain necessary contact details and tax map information for easement processing.
• Prepare and submit required reports and correspondence related to design and construction activities.
• Assist in acquiring field data to support design and construction planning.
• Assist in gathering information from field notes to ensure accurate and complete design documentation.
• Perform tasks such as digitizing, copying, and scanning drawings, prints, and maps to maintain accurate project records.
• Utilize company information systems to track and update design activities and maintain accurate project status information.
• Follow the Code of Safe Practices as outlined in company safety policies and promote a safe working environment in both field and office settings.

Essential Skills

• Experience with inspection of utility construction and distribution facilities.
• Knowledge of utility construction practices for overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
• Understanding of utility distribution systems and associated design standards.
• Experience with utility locating and subsurface utility engineering concepts.
• Background in distribution engineering or closely related utility engineering work.
• Familiarity with surveying practices used to collect field data for utility design.
• Ability to use design and drafting tools, including Civil 3D or similar software, to support utility design activities.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and seasons.
• High school diploma.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with electric distribution standards, guidelines, and industry specifications.
• Ability to interpret and prepare field notes, drawings, and maps for utility projects.
• Strong analytical skills to collaborate effectively with engineers and experienced distribution system designers.
• Ability to communicate clearly with landowners and their representatives when negotiating easements.
• Comfort with using digital tools and information systems to track and update design activities.
• Attention to detail when preparing cost estimates, bills of materials, and construction documentation.

Work Environment

This role combines field work and office-based tasks in a utility engineering environment. You will spend significant time outdoors collecting field data, performing inspections, and meeting with landowners, and must be comfortable working outside during all seasons and varying weather conditions. In the office, you will work with design and drafting software such as Civil 3D, as well as company information systems to prepare and update designs, drawings, maps, and project documentation. The work environment emphasizes adherence to safety policies and the Code of Safe Practices. Consultants in this role will also have the opportunity to contribute to establishing and growing a new office location in Iowa for a leading third-party utility engineering organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Cedar Rapids, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.