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Remote Utility Pole Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Designer

Ashland, VA · On-site +1

... and utility standards. * Utilize industry software such as AUD and SpidaCalc to evaluate pole ... Work Environment This position offers a fully remote work environment while maintaining close ...

Remote Utility Pole information

What is a remote utility pole worker?

Remote Utility Pole workers are professionals who are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing utility poles that support power lines, telecommunications cables, or other infrastructure, often working from remote locations. Their tasks can include identifying hazards, ensuring structural integrity, and sometimes installing new equipment. With the advent of remote technologies, many inspections and diagnostics can now be performed using digital tools, drones, or specialized software, reducing the need for on-site visits. These roles are crucial for ensuring reliable utility services and safety in both urban and rural areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility pole inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Pole Inspector, you need knowledge of utility infrastructure, safety standards, and inspection protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant field experience. Familiarity with inspection tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital reporting platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of utility pole networks.

What are some common challenges faced by remote utility pole inspectors and how can they be addressed?

Remote utility pole inspectors often encounter challenges such as difficult terrain, inclement weather, and limited access to poles in isolated areas. Utilizing drone technology and remote sensing tools can help overcome accessibility issues and improve safety. Additionally, effective communication with team members and timely reporting using digital platforms are essential for maintaining workflow and ensuring accurate documentation. Staying up to date with safety protocols and technological advancements can further enhance efficiency and reduce risks in this role.

What is the difference between Remote Utility Pole vs Line Locator?

AspectRemote Utility PoleLine Locator
CredentialsTypically requires OSHA safety training, basic electrical knowledgeRequires similar safety training, often includes certification in underground utility detection
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on utility poles, often in various weather conditionsOutdoor, on the ground or underground, often in urban or rural areas
Industry UsageElectric, telecommunications, cable industriesElectric, telecommunications, cable industries
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining, or repairing utility poles and linesLocating underground or hidden utility lines to prevent damage

Remote Utility Poles and Line Locators both work in the utility industry but focus on different tasks. Remote Utility Poles involve working on or near utility poles, while Line Locators specialize in detecting underground lines. Both roles require safety training and are essential for infrastructure maintenance and installation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Pole jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Utility Pole jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Utility Pole jobs in Virginia?

For Remote Utility Pole jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Utility Pole jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Utility Pole jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Utility Pole jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Utility Pole job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Utility Pole job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Designer

Ashland, VA • On-site, Remote

Actalent
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Distribution Designer (Electric Utility)About the Role

We are looking for a Distribution Designer to support the planning, design, and delivery of electric utility infrastructure projects. This position offers a blend of office-based design work and field involvement, providing the opportunity to contribute to projects that improve reliability, safety, and service for local communities.

Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, and utility design professionals, you'll assist with distribution projects from initial planning through construction. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys technical problem-solving, collaboration, and seeing their designs come to life in the field.


Key ResponsibilitiesDesign & Engineering Support
  • Assist with the design of overhead and underground electric distribution systems from concept development through construction-ready plans.
  • Develop primary, secondary, and service distribution designs for new installations, system upgrades, and reliability improvement projects.
  • Design overhead and underground infrastructure, including pole replacements, reconductoring projects, and underground duct bank systems.
  • Identify potential design conflicts and develop practical, cost-effective solutions that support constructability and project success.
Field Investigation & Data Collection
  • Conduct site visits and field surveys to gather measurements, photographs, sketches, and existing site information.
  • Evaluate field conditions and translate collected data into accurate and buildable utility designs.
  • Support project teams by documenting existing conditions and providing field-derived design recommendations.
Technical Design & Documentation
  • Prepare detailed utility construction drawings using AutoCAD while ensuring compliance with client and utility standards.
  • Utilize industry software such as AUD and SpidaCalc to evaluate pole loading, clearances, and structural requirements.
  • Develop bills of materials that include labor units, material quantities, and construction requirements.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the design process.
Coordination & Permitting
  • Work with right-of-way teams, local agencies, municipalities, and permitting authorities to support project approvals.
  • Ensure designs meet applicable utility standards, safety regulations, and industry requirements.
  • Collaborate with engineers, field personnel, project managers, and senior designers to resolve technical challenges and improve design solutions.
  • Support project coordination efforts to keep schedules and deliverables on track.

Required Qualifications
  • 1-4 years of experience in electric utility distribution design.
  • Experience designing overhead and/or underground distribution facilities.
  • Proficiency using AUD for utility design projects.
  • Hands-on experience with primary, secondary, and service distribution systems.
  • Field survey experience and familiarity with utility construction environments.
  • Ability to prepare bills of materials and supporting construction documentation.
  • Working knowledge of permitting processes, right-of-way coordination, and utility clearance requirements.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with utility clients and standards within the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Familiarity with SpidaCalc and GIS applications used for utility design and asset mapping.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Interest in advancing into lead design, engineering, or project management roles.
  • Understanding of utility construction practices and field implementation requirements.

Why Join Us?Meaningful Impact

Help design critical electric infrastructure that supports grid reliability, public safety, and community growth.

Career Development

Benefit from mentorship and a clear path for advancement into senior design, engineering support, or project management positions.

Diverse Project Experience

Enjoy a balance of office design work and field exposure while supporting a variety of utility projects and initiatives.

Collaborative Culture

Work alongside engineers, project managers, field personnel, and experienced designers from project kickoff through construction.

Long-Term Stability

Join a growing organization supporting ongoing utility infrastructure programs that provide consistent and impactful project opportunities.


Work Environment

This position offers a fully remote work environment while maintaining close collaboration with project teams, engineers, and utility clients. Team members regularly engage through virtual meetings and project coordination sessions while also supporting field activities as needed. The role provides an excellent balance between independent work, team collaboration, and hands-on exposure to utility infrastructure projects.

If you fit these qualifications and are interested in this opportunity schedule a meeting with a recruiter using this link: https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/WvMB-22l

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $40.87/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 hybrid position in Ashland,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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