Distribution Planner

Job Title: Distribution Fielder / Technician / Planner

Job Description

The Distribution Fielder / Technician / Planner supports the inspection and documentation of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. This role focuses on collecting accurate and detailed field data, performing visual inspections, and assisting with minor work order development and maintenance reporting to help ensure a safe, reliable, and well-documented electrical distribution infrastructure. It is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who enjoys working outdoors, learning technical skills, and contributing to impactful infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical field activities related to the inspection, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
• Conduct system inventories and audits of overhead and underground electrical distribution assets.
• Capture site photographs and thoroughly document field conditions for reporting and record-keeping.
• Inspect subsurface and pad-mounted equipment, including transformers, switches, and utility boxes.
• Complete ground-line and overhead pole inspections to assess condition and compliance.
• Verify service drops and mapping data against actual field conditions, noting discrepancies and updates.
• Prioritize safety in all field and office tasks by strictly adhering to established safety standards and procedures.
• Collect and input field data using tools such as TruPulse Laser devices, tablets, GPS units, digital cameras, and other electronic equipment in alignment with client requirements.
• Operate equipment necessary to measure utility poles and associated attachments accurately.
• Develop a working knowledge of CPUC General Order 95 (GO 95), utility construction standards, and joint-use communication systems such as telecom and cable.
• Inspect underground and pad-mounted equipment, including various numbered utility boxes (e.g., #2, #3, #5, #7), to document condition and configuration.
• Participate in routine safety and team meetings to ensure compliance, alignment, and continuous improvement.
• Complete assigned work efficiently to meet project timelines, productivity goals, and client expectations.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, engineers, designers, technicians, and other team members to coordinate field activities and resolve issues.
• Perform routine inspections of assigned fleet vehicles to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Follow all established quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards of data integrity and documentation.
• Coordinate with client representatives to obtain required customer and site information.
• Engage professionally with customers and property owners to gain property access for inspections and field work.
• Schedule and manage field appointments to support timely and efficient project delivery.
• Maintain accurate daily updates within project tracking systems, including progress notes and status changes.
• Submit weekly expense reports for project and non-project costs in accordance with company guidelines.
• Support additional project needs and responsibilities as assigned, contributing flexibly to team objectives.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0-1 year of field experience, with utility or related field experience preferred.
• Ability to work extended field hours (10+ hours), including prolonged standing, walking, and hiking in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage professionally with clients, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency with email, Teams, and mobile communication tools.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and data integrity when collecting and recording field data.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office applications.
• Comfort working with field survey tools and electronic equipment such as tablets, GPS units, cameras, and measuring devices.
• Ability to follow established safety and quality procedures consistently in both field and office environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with field survey tools such as range finders, GPS units, tablets, and other measuring devices.
• Familiarity with NESC and/or CPUC GO 95 standards related to electrical distribution systems.
• Exposure to or interest in the electrical and utility industry, particularly electrical distribution inspection.
• Demonstrated computer savvy and comfort learning new software and digital tools.
• Experience providing customer service in a field-based or client-facing role.
• Interest in developing technical skills related to utility construction standards and joint-use communication systems such as telecom and cable.

Work Environment

This role is heavily field-based and involves working in both community settings and remote areas across various counties. You will spend significant time outdoors, exposed to the elements, including heat, cold, rain, and varied terrain. The position requires extended field days of 10 or more hours, with prolonged standing, walking, and hiking to access overhead and underground electrical distribution assets. You will regularly use field technologies and equipment such as TruPulse Laser devices, tablets, GPS units, digital cameras, and other electronic tools to collect and document data. Some travel outside the local area is required, which may include trips to the outskirts of utility service territories or other regions within California, as well as occasional overnight travel with covered travel costs. Work is performed in a safety-focused culture that emphasizes adherence to established safety and quality procedures, participation in routine safety meetings, and proper use of fleet vehicles and field equipment.

• This posting is for an existing vacancy

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hayward, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.