Entry Level Field Technician

Actalent; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent in Asheville, NC is seeking a Field Technician to support electrical distribution projects in the field and office. You will gather field data, prepare drawings, and assist with inspections and maintenance of utility infrastructure.

This hands-on role combines fieldwork with documentation and design tasks in a team environment. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, knowledge of schematics, and the ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Associate's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred, but not required.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying field conditions.
• Proficiency with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work with schematics and blueprints.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles related to electrical distribution and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain accurate field notes, drawings, specifications, and design estimates for electrical distribution projects.
• Develop and apply knowledge of NESC and utility construction standards.
• Maintain production and quality standards for all projects and manage field data and reports.
• Prepare and modify electrical and roadway drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Perform field technical services for operation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
• Travel to surrounding utility territories to perform field work and support ongoing projects.

Skills

Outdoor work

Reading schematics

Blueprints

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

GPS devices

Field test equipment

Data collection tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Field Technician

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain accurate field notes, drawings, specifications, and design estimates for electrical distribution projects.
• Develop and apply a working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), national engineering standards, utility construction standards, and best industry engineering practices.
• Acquire broad knowledge of engineering disciplines, including design and constructability, construction methods and materials, and the economics involved in distribution projects.
• Maintain production and quality standards for all assigned projects, including organizing field data, photographs, engineering analysis, reports, and departmental databases.
• Manage file organization and documentation for all project records in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Prepare and modify electrical and roadway drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, graphs, and complete construction drawing packages.
• Perform field technical services for the operation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems, including system inventories and audits.
• Support joint use management and permitting activities related to shared utility infrastructure.
• Conduct pad-mount equipment inspections and ground-line pole inspections as part of routine maintenance and safety programs.
• Assist with metering and apparatus services and perform lighting audits in the field as required.
• Collect detailed field data using laptop computers, tablet devices, GPS units, and other electronic tools, and input data into database software accurately and efficiently.
• Develop a working knowledge of telephone, cable, and other communication facilities that share utility infrastructure.
• Operate necessary equipment to take precise measurements on utility poles and mid-span facilities, and to inspect and perform maintenance on pad-mount equipment.
• Present ideas and technical information effectively in both formal and informal situations to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing, including email correspondence, and follow appropriate communication ethics and standards.
• Keep supervisors and coworkers informed of project status and issues, sharing complete and accurate information in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with all levels within the organization and with outside clients and agencies, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Travel to surrounding utility territories to perform field work and support ongoing projects as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support engineering and field operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma is required.
• Associate's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred, but not required.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying field conditions.
• Strong technical aptitude and interest in engineering and electrical systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work with schematics and blueprints.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles related to electrical distribution and construction methods.
• Ability to learn and apply the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), engineering standards, and utility construction standards.
• Proficiency with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use test equipment and field measurement tools safely and accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly.
• Ability to maintain organized records, files, and documentation for multiple projects.
• Comfort with using laptops, tablets, GPS, and other electronic devices for data collection.
• Ability to work effectively in the field and office, balancing hands‑on tasks with documentation and analysis.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based and requires regular work outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions. The Distribution Field Technician travels to utility territories to perform inspections, audits, and data collection on electrical distribution systems, utility poles, mid-span facilities, pad‑mount equipment, and related infrastructure. The position involves the use of laptops, tablets, GPS devices, test equipment, and other electronic tools to collect and manage technical data. Work may alternate between outdoor field activities and indoor office tasks such as preparing drawings, reports, and documentation using engineering and design software. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to engineering standards, and teamwork, with opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and grow technical skills in electrical distribution and utility operations. Attire is typically appropriate for field work, with practical clothing and safety gear suited to outdoor and technical activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Asheville, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Asheville,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 [e-mail] 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.