Distribution Technologist (Construction Support)

About the role

The Construction Support Technologist provides critical construction support for electric utility distribution projects by serving as the primary link between engineering design teams and field construction crews. This role ensures that projects are built according to design intent, proactively identifies and resolves constructability issues, and maintains project quality and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the liaison between electric distribution design teams and construction contractors during all phases of project execution.
• Review construction activities to verify compliance with approved engineering plans, specifications, and standards.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings, construction progress meetings, and field reviews to align stakeholders and address issues early.
• Identify field issues, constructability concerns, and design conflicts and coordinate timely solutions with engineering teams.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with contractors, construction crews, utility personnel, and project stakeholders to support safe and efficient project delivery.
• Review and interpret utility construction drawings, design packages, specifications, and material requirements to support field implementation.
• Conduct regular field visits to document project progress through detailed notes, sketches, and photographs.
• Support staking activities and field validation efforts to ensure accurate placement of distribution facilities.
• Assist with constructability reviews during project planning and design phases to improve buildability and reduce rework.
• Evaluate proposed field modifications and coordinate with engineering teams regarding design revisions when appropriate.
• Help ensure contractors adhere to approved plans, standards, safety requirements, and project specifications throughout construction.
• Assist with right-of-way, permitting, and construction coordination activities as needed to keep projects moving forward.
• Support projects involving both overhead and underground electric distribution facilities and associated equipment.
• Provide technical guidance on utility equipment installation, construction methods, and field conditions to contractors and internal teams.
• Assist with right-of-way, permitting, and construction coordination activities as needed to keep projects moving forward.
• Participate in storm response activities as part of a local or travel team, serving as a Driver and Assessor Learner when required.
• Maintain strong working relationships with field personnel and build credibility through practical, real-world construction knowledge.
• Effectively communicate field challenges, risks, and practical solutions back to engineering and project management teams to support continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of utility industry experience involving electric distribution design, construction, operations, or construction management.
• Strong understanding of electric utility construction practices, including both overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Proven ability to read and interpret construction plans, utility drawings, specifications, and design packages.
• Experience working directly with field construction crews and contractors on utility projects.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify field issues and collaborate with engineers to develop practical, constructible solutions.
• Knowledge of utility materials, equipment, and installation methods used in electric distribution construction.
• Familiarity with utility permitting and right-of-way processes related to distribution projects.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the service territory to visit active construction sites.
• Comfort working in outdoor, field-based environments and participating in construction meetings and site reviews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience with utility software such as GIS, CYME, ArcGIS, or similar tools, including platforms used for design review and markups (for example, Bluebeam).
• Experience using Bentley Open Utility Designer (BOUD) for electric distribution design is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD for reviewing and understanding engineering drawings.
• Experience with systems such as Smallworld and Maximo for asset and work management.
• Knowledge of pole loading analysis tools and methodologies for overhead distribution design.
• Experience in quality control and construction QA/QC processes for utility projects.
• Previous experience supporting investor-owned utilities, municipalities, or utility contractors.
• Ability to build credibility with contractors through real-world construction experience and practical problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to document field conditions accurately using notes, sketches, and photographs.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based at active electric utility construction sites, with occasional office work for reporting and administrative tasks. The work environment includes frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and wind. The noise level at construction sites ranges from moderate to loud due to machinery, vehicles, and ongoing construction activities, while the office environment is generally quiet to moderate. The position involves regular visits to active construction sites where the employee may encounter dust, debris, uneven terrain, and other typical construction-related hazards. Personal protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, and steel-toed boots, is mandatory on site and must be worn consistently.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.