About the Role
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 escalate 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 regularly 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 daily walking
Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and changing outdoor 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