Job Description

GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging full-time opportunity with advancement and growth potential for a Staking Technician III to work in our Design & Engineering group. As a Staking Technician III, you'll design overhead and underground distribution lines under the guidance of a project lead, while mentoring and supervising other staking technicians and associate engineers. You'll build relationships with new and existing clients, manage multiple projects at once, and get your boots dirty collecting field data on-site. This role blends technical design work, client-facing leadership, and real outdoor fieldwork into one career.

Responsibilities

Serve as the direct point of contact for clients, building and growing those relationships Develop new clients and expand services with existing ones Manage multiple design projects and schedules at once Design overhead and underground distribution lines to meet engineering, construction, NESC, and client standards Acquire easements and permits, and interface with landowners to secure construction access Communicate with construction crews on design and post-design inspection Collect accurate field data via paper drawings, electronic devices, digital cameras, and GPS tools Prepare construction sketches and complete staking sheets, using software like Pole Foreman or PLS-CADD Mentor and supervise staking and field technicians on project work Experience And Skills Technical or associate's degree in a related field, plus 10+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) Prior experience as a lineman or surveying distribution/communication lines (10+ years) Willingness to obtain Staking Certification through Hi-Line Engineering's staking training Proven ability to lead and effectively utilize field technicians on project work Comfort with GPS survey equipment, data collection units, laser range finders, and cameras Working knowledge of RUS construction units and specifications, right-of-way easements, and permitting Proficiency with pole line design software A valid driver's license and your own reliable transportation Readiness to travel 50-100% to project sites This is an active, outdoors role: be ready to cut right-of-way and carry a 10-pound pack several miles over rough, uneven terrain You'll drive stakes to mark future pole and anchor locations Extra hours are sometimes needed to keep projects on track GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship. Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. Job Benefits Your Compensation and Benefits: Flex Benefits (Flexible Hours, Telecommuting) Competitive Pay Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision, Company Paid Life, Long Term & Short-Term Disability) Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, Holidays) 401(k) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition Reimbursement Keyword: Pole Forman, PLSCAAD, post-design inspection, easements, underground lines, permits, data collection, digital cameras, compliance, client standard, NESC, GPS data