Utility Designer - URGENT

Job Title: Designer / CAD Specialist - Underground Utility Distribution

Job Description

This role supports a long-term strategic undergrounding program focused on improving grid resiliency and reducing storm-related power outages by relocating outage-prone overhead tap lines underground. As a Designer / CAD Specialist, you work closely with right-of-way and design teams to create accurate, detailed plat exhibits and easement documents that guide the design and construction of underground and overhead electric distribution systems. You contribute directly to a multi-year initiative to convert thousands of miles of overhead lines to underground systems, enhancing reliability for customers and streamlining restoration efforts after severe weather.

Responsibilities

• Use AutoCAD and related tools to prepare detailed plat exhibits that visually represent project parcels for underground and overhead electric distribution easement documents.
• Collaborate closely with right-of-way and design teams to translate project scopes and field data into accurate, buildable designs.
• Review the scope of work for each project and draft the necessary easements along proposed cable routes for distribution systems.
• Ensure all spelling, title blocks, addresses, property ownership information, and parcel numbers are accurate and complete on all drawings and exhibits.
• Perform thorough proofreading and quality control checks on all drafted documents and drawings, following established QC checklists.
• Submit completed drawings and documentation for supervisory review and final approval, incorporating feedback and revisions as needed.
• Support utility design efforts by understanding layouts, clearances, standards, and safety requirements for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Produce deliverables that engineers and construction crews use for planning, permitting, and construction activities.
• Participate in field work as needed, including interacting with customers, collecting field data, and verifying site conditions to ensure designs are practical and constructible.
• Use GIS and Automated Utility Design (AUD) tools, where applicable, to support design, mapping, and documentation of distribution infrastructure.
• Maintain organized project documentation and follow established standards, templates, and procedures for drafting and design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance drafting practices, data accuracy, and design workflows.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating detailed drawings, plat exhibits, and utility design deliverables.
• Experience or formal schooling in drafting or design, particularly related to infrastructure or utility projects.
• Foundational understanding of utility design, including layouts, clearances, standards, and safety requirements for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Ability to produce accurate deliverables that engineers and construction crews can rely on for planning and construction.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to proofread and perform thorough quality control on drawings and documents.
• Ability to verify and accurately document spelling, title blocks, addresses, property ownership, and parcel numbers.
• Capability to interpret scopes of work and translate them into accurate easement drawings and cable route layouts.
• Willingness and ability to interact with customers during field work and data collection activities.
• Comfort working with field data, including site measurements and conditions, to ensure designs are practical and buildable.
• Ability to meet screening and other badging requirements for access to utility facilities and systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with GIS tools to support mapping and documentation of utility infrastructure.
• Interest in building a long-term career in the energy and utility industry, especially in distribution engineering and grid resiliency projects.
• Prior exposure to large-scale infrastructure or utility projects, either through education or professional experience.
• Strong customer service skills for interacting with property owners, customers, and project stakeholders during field visits.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team that includes engineers, right-of-way specialists, and other design professionals.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a structured project environment.
• Motivation to grow into roles such as engineering support, project management, or specialized utility design.

Work Environment

You work within a national engineering consulting environment focused on power, infrastructure, and environmental projects, with particular emphasis on electric distribution systems. The role offers exposure to large-scale utility and infrastructure initiatives that support grid resiliency and modernization. You collaborate with a distribution engineering team that designs overhead and underground systems, prepares field notes, drawings, specifications, and estimates, and supports utilities in improving reliability and meeting regulatory and safety standards. The position follows a hybrid schedule, typically with three days in the office and two days working remotely each week, providing a balance of in-person collaboration and focused independent work. You use technologies such as AutoCAD, Automated Utility Design (AUD), and GIS tools, and you may participate in field work to collect data, interact with customers, and verify site conditions. The industry offers stability due to ongoing investment in utilities and infrastructure, along with clear pathways for career growth into engineering, project management, or specialized design roles. Dress expectations align with a professional office and field environment, where you maintain a neat, professional appearance suitable for both office collaboration and customer-facing site visits.

• 0-3 YOE within drafting preferred, AutoCAD experience is a need!*

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $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 hybrid position in Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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 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.