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Drone Inspection Power Line Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure operational readiness. * Conduct field ... Experience with high-altitude, fixed-wing, or combustion-powered drones. * Ability to lift and ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human ... Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload ...

HW Power, Inc.

Safety Supervisor

Chino, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... power line construction. But we don't stop there. Our team also brings cutting-edge planning ... inspection findings to determine the need for employee safety training. * ² Recommend safety ...

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All JobsDrone Inspection Power Line JobsDrone Inspection Power Line Jobs in California

Drone Inspection Power Line information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do drone inspection power line jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone inspection power line in California is $18.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are drone inspection power line jobs?

Drone inspection power line jobs involve using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to survey and inspect electrical power lines and related infrastructure. Operators capture high-resolution images and videos to detect faults, vegetation encroachment, or structural issues without the need for physical climbing or helicopters. This role improves safety, efficiency, and accuracy in maintaining power grids, and often requires knowledge of drone piloting, data analysis, and electrical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by drone inspectors when assessing power lines, and how can they be addressed?

Drone inspectors working with power lines often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult terrain, dealing with weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They must also manage battery life and maintain clear communication with ground teams to avoid hazards. To address these challenges, inspectors usually undergo specialized training, use advanced flight planning software, and follow strict operational protocols to ensure both data accuracy and safety during inspections.

What is the difference between Drone Inspection Power Line vs Drone Lineman?

AspectDrone Inspection Power LineDrone Lineman
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateClimbing and safety certifications, possibly FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentAerial inspections, remote locations, using dronesClimbing poles, working at heights, on power lines
Industry UsageUtility companies, inspection servicesUtility companies, maintenance crews

Drone Inspection Power Line specialists focus on aerial inspections using drones, requiring remote pilot certifications, and work primarily in remote or elevated environments. Drone Linemen perform physical work on power lines, often climbing poles and towers, with safety and climbing certifications. Both roles are essential in utility maintenance but differ significantly in work environment and required skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Inspection Power Line Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Inspection Power Line Technician, you need expertise in UAV operation, electrical systems knowledge, and often a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Experience with drone mapping software, thermal imaging cameras, and GIS systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help technicians accurately identify issues and report findings. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable inspection of power lines, minimizing downtime and enhancing grid safety.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Inspection Power Line jobs in California? For Drone Inspection Power Line jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Inspection Power Line jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Inspection Power Line jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drone Inspection Power Line jobs? Cities in California with the most Drone Inspection Power Line job openings:
Drone Inspection Power Line jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Inspection Power Line job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,301 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Senior Electric System Inspector

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Fontana, CA • On-site

$60.03/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Senior Electric System Inspector at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be in the Integrated Inspections group within SCE's Transmission and Distribution Operating Unit. You will be responsible for inspecting and identifying safety, reliability and environmental hazards on Transmission and Distribution assets, including utilizing drone technology.
As a Senior Electric System Inspector, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Identify General Orders 95 and 128 infractions, safety deficiencies, environmental and reliability hazards and wood pole integrity to ensure compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations and company requirements.
  • Perform public level repairs on poles and related structures.
  • Perform annual patrols on overhead circuits and prioritize repairs.
  • Reconcile differences between actual field conditions.
  • Identify and evaluate hazardous conditions, safety deficiencies, violations, and unsafe work practices.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 months experience of electrical inspections or completion of the equivalent of Journeyman Lineman 4th step apprenticeship.
  • Posses a valid Class C Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Three or more years of experience conducting electric utility industry construction and maintenance inspections.
  • Foundational knowledge of overhead electric infrastructure construction with the ability to learn detailed technical requirements quickly.
  • Experience conducting electric utility construction and maintenance inspections, including the use of drone inspection technologies. Less than 1
  • Certification in FAA Small UAS Rule (Part 107).
  • Experience with safe work practices, basic electrical theory, construction/maintenance standards (i.e., GO95 and GO128).
  • Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience interacting with customers and stakeholders to provide information, resolve issues, or address inquiries related to utility services.
  • Ability to learn and effectively use technology and software tools used for inspections.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Foothill S/C. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time throughout service territory.
  • Position will require up to 20% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • This position is a 4/10 (Mon-Thurs) schedule.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • Must successfully pass the SCE required training program within one year of hire date, minimum of 600 inspections with a QC rating of 95% or higher within one year of hire date, and successful Drone pilot certification within two test attempts as a condition of continued employment.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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