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Aerial Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Inspectors (Field Based)

San Jose, CA

$33.89 - $46.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... inspection of construction activities, and field survey work as directed. * verifying that the ... USGS, aerial photography), as well as Field Maps and Survey123 applications * Knowledge of ...

Environmental Inspectors (Field Based)

Sacramento, CA

$33.89 - $46.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... inspection of construction activities, and field survey work as directed. * verifying that the ... USGS, aerial photography), as well as Field Maps and Survey123 applications * Knowledge of ...

Schedule and complete a final inspection of work prior to customer walkthrough * Complete and ... One-year underground construction, aerial construction, and/or multi dwelling unit (MDU) experience

Schedule and complete a final inspection of work prior to customer walkthrough * Complete and ... One-year underground construction, aerial construction, and/or multi dwelling unit (MDU) experience

Mobile Mechanic

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $35.75/hr

Inspect, maintain, and repair forklifts and aerial lift equipment to maintain the safety and reliability of the unit. * Visually inspect the structural integrity of aerial lift equipment and ...

Mobile Mechanic

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $35.75/hr

Inspect, maintain, and repair forklifts and aerial lift equipment to maintain the safety and reliability of the unit. * Visually inspect the structural integrity of aerial lift equipment and ...

Mobile Mechanic

Lost Hills, CA · On-site

$30 - $41/hr

Inspect, maintain, and repair forklifts and aerial lift equipment to maintain the safety and reliability of the unit. * Visually inspect the structural integrity of aerial lift equipment and ...

Mobile Mechanic

Lost Hills, CA

$30 - $41/hr

Inspect, maintain, and repair forklifts and aerial lift equipment to maintain the safety and reliability of the unit. * Visually inspect the structural integrity of aerial lift equipment and ...

Aviation Quality Inspector

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$50 - $52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the ... Ensure all required inspection items (RII) are completed and documented properly, and Instructions ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Conduct ANSI and DOT inspections on aerial and lift equipment. Maintain accurate service logs, repair documentation, and parts usage records. Communicate with the mechanic lead to schedule and ...

Mechanic

Watsonville, CA

$27 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Conduct ANSI and DOT inspections on aerial and lift equipment. Maintain accurate service logs, repair documentation, and parts usage records. Communicate with the mechanic lead to schedule and ...

Mechanic

Salinas, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Conduct ANSI and DOT inspections on aerial and lift equipment. Maintain accurate service logs, repair documentation, and parts usage records. Communicate with the mechanic lead to schedule and ...

Mechanic

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Conduct ANSI and DOT inspections on aerial and lift equipment. Maintain accurate service logs, repair documentation, and parts usage records. Communicate with the mechanic lead to schedule and ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerial Inspection information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$59.6K

$88.3K

How much do aerial inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial inspection in California is $59,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $69,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerial inspection?

Aerial inspection is the process of using aircraft, such as drones, helicopters, or planes, to survey and assess structures, land, or infrastructure from above. This method allows inspectors to safely and efficiently examine hard-to-reach areas like rooftops, power lines, pipelines, wind turbines, and large agricultural fields. Aerial inspection provides high-resolution images and data, which can be analyzed to detect damages, monitor changes, or ensure compliance with regulations. It is widely used in industries such as construction, energy, agriculture, and utilities for its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce human risk.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial inspection specialist?

To thrive as an Aerial Inspection Specialist, you need expertise in UAV/drone operation, knowledge of inspection protocols, and relevant certifications such as FAA Part 107. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, high-resolution imaging tools, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inspection processes in industries like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

What are some common challenges faced in an aerial inspection role and how can they be addressed?

Aerial Inspection professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining accurate data collection from difficult-to-access locations. To address these, inspectors typically undergo rigorous training on safety protocols, regularly maintain and calibrate their drones or aircraft, and collaborate closely with data analysts and engineers to ensure findings are actionable. Being adaptable and having strong problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring inspections are both safe and effective.

What is the difference between Aerial Inspection vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial InspectionDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107, specialized inspection trainingFAA Part 107, general drone operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, infrastructure, agricultureVaried locations, recreational, commercial
Industry UsageInspection, surveying, monitoringPhotography, videography, recreational flying

While both roles involve drone operation, Aerial Inspection focuses on using drones for detailed inspections of infrastructure, buildings, or landscapes, requiring specialized training. Drone Operators may perform a broader range of activities, including photography and recreational flying, with less emphasis on inspection-specific skills.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Inspection jobs in California?

For Aerial Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,555 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Environmental Inspectors (Field Based)

ERM

San Jose, CA

$33.89 - $46.84/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description

ERM is hiring Environmental Inspectors to oversee environmental compliance during the construction phase of our client's transmission and distribution project in northern Nevada and southern Idaho. This is a full-time (60-72 hours per week) limited-term role for a duration of 18 months, with the possibility of extension beginning in March 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Preparing and conducting environmental training for construction personnel.

  • Conducting field inspections, conducting environmental inspection of construction activities, and field survey work as directed.

  • verifying that the limits of authorized construction work areas and locations of access roads are properly marked before clearing;

  • Interacting with and serving as a point of contact with agency officials, regulatory agency staff, landowners, contractors, clients and other project members and conducting required agency notifications.

  • Reviewing and implementing project documents and providing direction, support and critical judgment on environmental compliance issues.

  • Providing technical leadership, support and direction to field staff. This includes the coordination of daily Environmental Inspector and Resource Monitor schedules and conducting morning construction meetings.

  • Critically assessing environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from construction.

  • Evaluating potential issues and concerns ahead of construction activities.

  • Overseeing the proper implementation of mitigation measures.

  • Conducting environmental sampling (hydrostatic test water, soil, etc.).

  • Overseeing and verifying flagging and signage of waterbody and wetland boundaries, cultural and biological resources exclusion zones, refueling zones, or areas with special requirements within the construction work area.

  • Inspecting and documenting compliance with a project's environmental requirements by preparing daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photo documentation of activities observed in the field.

  • identifying, documenting, and overseeing corrective actions as needed to bring an activity back into compliance.

  • identifying erosion/sediment control and soil stabilization needs.

  • Participating in various construction meetings.

  • Preparing documentation to support requests for variances from environmental permits.

  • Evaluating restoration activities and conducting compaction testing as required.

  • Compliance with ERM's rigorous safety program.

  • Performing additional tasks as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:

The role of an Environmental Inspector requires meticulous oversight by highly skilled individuals stationed in the field throughout construction to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Qualifications of individuals to be considered will include:

  • BS or BA degree preferred, equivalent environmental inspection or monitoring experience, or a minimum of 6 years of relevant construction experience.

  • 2+ years of environmental inspection, monitoring, or permitting experience specific to linear and/or other energy infrastructure projects with preference to western US project experience.

  • Electric Transmission experience required.

  • BLM lands experience required.

  • An understanding of construction (e.g., pipelines, power lines, compressor/pumping stations, gas storage fields, wind farms, solar facilities, offshore facilities) gained through field experience.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

  • Proficient technical skills, including, but not limited to, experience using Microsoft Office programs and digital cameras.

  • Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography), as well as Field Maps and Survey123 applications

  • Knowledge of environmental sampling methods.

  • The ability to travel extensively and to work 40 to 70+ hours per week in a physically demanding position on temporary assignments.

  • Be physically fit and able to:

    • Walk/hike for up to 10 hours per day on possible uneven, steep, challenging terrain.

    • Be able to carry up to 10 pounds of equipment while walking/hiking.

    • Work in all weather conditions.

  • Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area in remote locations.

Pay Transparency:

For the Environmental Inspectors position, we anticipate the annual base pay of

$70,500-$97,429 /33.89hr - $46.84/hrUSD, limited-term, non-exempt. An employee's pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. We also may have instances where employee's fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance tobenefits eligible* employees.

*Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed-Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for alimitedbenefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

You can apply for this role throughhttps://www.erm.com/careers/apply/or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, determinable, and payable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!


ERM logo

About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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