Distribution Field Technician - GIS/ Joint Use

Catapult Federal Services; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Catapult Federal Services in Reston, VA is seeking Distribution Field Technicians to support electric utility distribution and Joint Use/Fiber Make Ready projects across Virginia and North Carolina.

The role is field-heavy (about 90%), with two-person teams documenting poles and telecommunications attachments using tablets and GIS tools, and regular travel throughout the territory. Safety and accurate field records are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform ~90% field-based work
• Valid driver's license
• Experience with GIS/field-data collection applications
• Comfort operating tablets and field software
• Ability to navigate diverse field environments
• Willingness for regular overnight travel across VA/NC
• Experience in utilities, telecom, construction, surveying, or GIS is beneficial

Responsibilities

• Perform field data collection on electric utility distribution infrastructure.
• Inspect and document utility poles and telecommunications attachments.
• Collect measurements, photos, equipment data and attachment details.
• Use tablets, GIS apps, and field-data systems.
• Identify equipment in the field and document conditions for Joint Use/Make Ready.
• Elevate unusual field conditions for engineering review.
• Maintain accurate field records and daily routes.
• Travel regularly across Virginia and North Carolina.
• Collaborate with engineering, design and project teams to meet requirements.
• Adhere to safety procedures around infrastructure and roadways.

Skills

Field data collection

GIS proficiency

Driver's license

Tablet proficiency

Safety awareness

Teamwork

ArcGIS

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Skilled Trades

Reston, VA Contract To Hire Sep 25, 2026

• Distribution Field Technician – GIS / Joint Use

Location: Virginia & North Carolina

Travel: Approximately 90% Field-Based | Weekly Overnight Travel

Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract

Industry: Electric Utility / Power Distribution / Telecommunications

Position Overview

Catapult is seeking Distribution Field Technicians to support electric utility distribution and Joint Use/Fiber Make Ready projects throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

This is a field-focused opportunity for someone interested in building a career within electric utility distribution, GIS, Joint Use engineering, and power delivery.

The technician will spend approximately 90% of their time in the field, working in two-person teams to collect information from electric distribution infrastructure. Using tablets, GIS applications, field-data collection software, measuring equipment, and other specialized tools, technicians will document utility poles and associated electric and telecommunications facilities.

This is a strong opportunity for candidates coming from utility work, telecommunications, construction, surveying, GIS, inspection, field services, or similar hands-on technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform field data collection on electric utility distribution infrastructure.
• Inspect and document utility poles and telecommunications attachments.
• Collect accurate measurements, photographs, equipment information, and attachment data.
• Use tablets, GIS applications, and mobile field-data collection systems.
• Identify electric distribution and telecommunications equipment in the field.
• Document existing field conditions for Joint Use and Make Ready engineering.
• Recognize unusual field conditions or potential Make Ready concerns and elevate them for engineering review.
• Maintain complete and accurate field records.
• Navigate assigned service territories and efficiently manage daily field routes.
• Work closely with engineering, design, and project teams to ensure field information supports project requirements.
• Follow company and client safety procedures while working around utility infrastructure, roadways, uneven terrain, and other field conditions.
• Travel regular throughout assigned territories in Virginia and North Carolina.

Field Environment

Candidates should be comfortable spending the majority of the workday outdoors.

Field conditions may include:

• Significant daily walking
• Uneven or rough terrain
• Roadside environments
• Heavy vegetation
• Heat, cold, rain, and changing weather conditions
• Carrying field equipment weighing up to approximately 40 lbs.
• Driving between field locations
• Technicians will generally work in two-person field teams.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel is an essential part of this position.

Candidates Should Expect

• Weekly travel throughout Virginia and North Carolina
• Regular overnight hotel stays
• Typical travel schedule of Monday through Thursday, depending on project location
• Operation of company or rental vehicles
• Potential responsibility for maintaining a rental vehicle overnight during project assignments
• Candidates must have a valid driver´s license and be comfortable with frequent travel.

Required Qualifications

• Ability and willingness to perform approximately 90% field-based work
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to safely operate a company or rental vehicle
• Basic computer, tablet, and mobile-device proficiency
• Ability to learn GIS and field-data collection applications
• Ability to learn electric distribution and Joint Use fielding processes
• Previous experience in at least one of the following areas preferred:
• Utilities
• Telecommunications
• Construction
• Surveying
• GIS
• Field inspection
• Field services
• Infrastructure
• Similar outdoor technical work
• Ability to perform significant walking
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and growing out conditions
• Ability to carry approximately 40 lbs. of field equipment
• Availability for regular overnight travel throughout Virginia and North Carolina
• Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following is beneficial but not required:

• Electric distribution systems
• Utility poles and overhead distribution
• Joint Use
• Fiber/telecommunications infrastructure
• Make Ready engineering
• GIS or GIS field applications
• ArcGIS or similar mapping systems
• Utility field data collection
• Pole surveys
• Construction inspection
• Surveying
• Distribution design
• GPS or coordinate-based field collection