1

Apprentice Tower Climber Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Tower Climber information

What is an apprentice tower climber?

Apprentice tower climbers are entry-level technicians who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of telecommunication towers and related equipment. They work under the supervision of experienced tower climbers to learn safety protocols, climbing techniques, and how to handle specialized tools and equipment. Their duties may include assembling tower components, running cables, and inspecting equipment while following strict safety guidelines. This position serves as a starting point for a career in tower climbing, allowing apprentices to gain hands-on experience and industry certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice tower climber?

To thrive as an Apprentice Tower Climber, you need physical fitness, a good understanding of safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with climbing harnesses, fall protection equipment, and basic hand tools is essential, and OSHA certification is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to safety make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance while working at heights on communication towers.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice tower climbers and how can they be addressed?

As an Apprentice Tower Climber, one common challenge is adapting to working at significant heights while maintaining strict safety protocols. Weather conditions, such as wind or rain, can also make tasks more difficult and require constant vigilance. Effective communication with the ground crew and other team members is essential to ensure everyone’s safety and to coordinate tasks efficiently. New climbers often find the physical demands and technical aspects challenging at first, but thorough training and mentorship help build confidence and competence over time.

What is the difference between Apprentice Tower Climber vs Tower Climber?

AspectApprentice Tower ClimberTower Climber
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic climbing certificationAdvanced climbing, rescue, and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists and learns on-site, supervisedPerforms independent climbing and maintenance
Experience LevelEntry-level, in trainingExperienced, skilled climber

The Apprentice Tower Climber is an entry-level role focused on learning safety procedures and basic climbing skills under supervision. In contrast, a Tower Climber is a fully qualified professional responsible for maintenance and repairs at heights. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the more independent Tower Climber position, with differences mainly in experience, certifications, and responsibilities.

How much money do apprentice tower climbers make?

Apprentice tower climbers typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Wages increase as they gain experience and certifications, and the job often involves working at heights with safety gear and climbing equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee?

For Apprentice Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Tower Climber jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Apprentice Tower Climber jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Apprentice Tower Climber job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Tower Climber job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Tower Technician II - Knoxville, TN

Pillar Innovations

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Pillar Innovations rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

223rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Pillar Innovations is an Industrial Solutions and Service Company with over 15 years of experience in the Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Industrial Construction, Aggregate, and Renewables Industries. The Corporate Headquarters are located in Grantsville, MD with several offices throughout the country.
Are you looking for a place to expand your skills and grow in a career? Our company promotes continuous learning, diverse work opportunities, and flexibility. We also provide defined career path advancement, full benefits, and a variety of apprenticeship/continuing education programs. Openings for experienced workers and training for entry level positions are always available. Start a career with us today!

The general role of a Tower Technician II - Wireless Services is to safely and efficiently complete equipment installations, repairs, and upgrades at communications sites both on the ground and at elevated heights without direct supervision. In addition, the Tower Technician III will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of up to 6 members.

This individual will represent Pillar Innovations in a safe, professional, and courteous manner. This position will require a flexible schedule which may includeextensive travel, extended hours, weekends, and holidays.         

The Tower Technician II - Wireless Services will report to the Construction Manager – Wireless Services and will work primarily out of their assigned location.


  • Build customer infrastructure, such as tower erection, expansion, and upgrades to new and existing wireless networks (e.g., tower mods, L&A installs)
  • Read and understand site documents such as Construction Drawings, Radio Frequency Data Sheets, Structural Analyses, Mount Analyses, Tower Modification Design Drawings, etc.
  • Safely and efficiently complete equipment installations and upgrades at elevated heights
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and correct equipment and network functionality
  • Observe and report possible compound/equipment defects or hazards
  • Document job costs, including labor hours and material in an accurate and timely manner
  • Accurately follow instructions and complete assigned course of action in accordance with scope of work and methods of procedures (MOPs)
  • Complete Material Inventory upon delivery
  • Perform pre-work and post-work site audits
  • Obtain written customer approval for change orders
  • Operate Test Equipment (RF Sweep Gear, PIM, and Fiber Testing)
  • Train and mentor lessor experienced team members
  • Perform and oversee elevated work activities as required or directed
  • Assist Foremen in the scheduling of labor, materials, and other job tasks
  • Lead Wireless Services Tower team members as required (in absence of Foreman or Manager)
  • Develop and execute rigging plans for hoisting operations per industry standards

  • 2+ years of experience installing and maintaining cabling, antennas, microwave dishes, tower builds, site inspections, lighting systems, wireless carriers preferred
  • Valid Driver’s License required
  • Ability and attitude to follow rigid job safety standards and properly utilize specialized Personal Protective Equipment
  • Maintain certifications for courses such as: Authorized/ Competent Climber, Authorized/Competent Rescuer, ANSI A10.48 Rigging Certification, Capstan Operations, RF Awareness, OSHA 10, First Aid/ CPR and other certifications as required.
  • Willingness to take on and learn new tasks and skills
  • Able to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Willingness to work in extreme environmental conditions
  • Proficient computer skills and ability to use software applications including Microsoft Suite
  • Experience in operating test equipment [i.e., RF (radio frequency) sweep gear, PIM (passive intermodulation), and fiber testing]to include
  • Read, understand and implement tower rigging plans
  • Competency and ability to deploy complex rigging setups (2:1, 3:1, etc..) to hoist heavy loads safely to the tower
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Fluency in English is required
  • Familiarity with general accounting/costing practices including budgeting, invoicing, purchase orders and accounts payable
  • Possess demonstrated leadership skills and abilities

Working Conditions

  • Walk, crawl, talk, see, read, hear, feel, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, grasp and climb with both hands and legs for extended periods of time
  • Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
  • Climb at heights of 300’+ for extended periods of time
  • Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

This position requires the completion of a thorough background and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. In accordance with The Company’s Drug and Alcohol policy, employees are required to participate in random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as requested.

 

AAP/EEO Statement 
This Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities without regard to any protected classes under applicable law.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


WE ARE NOW EMPLOYEE OWNED

Employees are beneficial owners through an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) that works through a qualified retirement plan.

Perks/Benefits 

  • Comprehensive Benefits
    • Health/Life insurance
    • 401(k) retirement plan
    • Short/Long term disability
    • Paid time off and holidays
  • Paid lodging, per diem, and transportation provided for out-of-town work
  • Employee focused work environment
    • On-the-job mentoring and training
    • Internal job postings
    • Performance and salary reviews
    • Employee feedback program
  • Safety-first and drug free work environments
    • Bonuses and incentives for working safely
    • Company provided tools and basic safety equipment
    • PPE allowances with no restrictions on vendors
  • Weekly pay with premium pay for Sundays and holidays
  • Advancement through defined employee career paths
  • Financial tools/programs to help employees reach financial goals, manage money, get out of debt, and save for the future
  • Scholarship opportunities for dependent children

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

This position requires the completion of a thorough background and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. In accordance with The Company’s Drug and Alcohol policy, employees are required to participate in random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as requested.

 

AAP/EEO Statement 
This Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities without regard to any protected classes under applicable law.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



What Pillar Innovations employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom