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Pole Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utility Pole Inspector The Utility Pole Inspector is responsible for inspecting, measuring, and documenting utility poles and aerial infrastructure. This role involves utilizing IKE devices and ...

Utility Pole Inspector The Utility Pole Inspector is responsible for inspecting, measuring, and documenting utility poles and aerial infrastructure. This role involves utilizing IKE devices and ...

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Pole Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do pole inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for pole inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do pole inspectors face in the field?

Pole inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, accessing difficult or remote locations, and ensuring personal safety around electrical infrastructure. These challenges can be addressed by adhering to strict safety protocols, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and utilizing specialized tools or technology (like drones or mobile inspection apps) to streamline data collection. Additionally, maintaining clear communication with utility teams and participating in ongoing training can help inspectors stay prepared and effective in the field.

What is the difference between Pole Inspector vs Lineworker?

AspectPole InspectorLineworker
CertificationsClimbing and safety certifications, pole inspection licensesClimbing, safety, and electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting utility poles, often outdoors, at heightsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining power lines, outdoors at heights
Industry UsageUtility companies, infrastructure inspectionElectric utility companies, construction

While both Pole Inspectors and Lineworkers work outdoors at heights and require safety certifications, Pole Inspectors focus on inspecting and assessing poles for safety and integrity, whereas Lineworkers perform installation and repair of power lines. The roles often overlap in outdoor utility environments, but their primary responsibilities differ.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pole inspector?

To excel as a Pole Inspector, you need a solid understanding of utility pole structures, inspection protocols, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant field experience or technical training. Familiarity with inspection software, GPS devices, cameras, and reporting systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurately documenting findings and coordinating with utility teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure the structural integrity of utility poles, maintain public safety, and support reliable utility services.

What is a pole inspector?

Pole inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and assessing utility poles, such as those used for electrical lines, telecommunications, or street lighting. Their job involves checking the structural integrity, stability, and safety of poles to ensure they meet regulatory and company standards. Pole inspectors identify any signs of damage, decay, or hazards, and recommend repairs or replacements as needed. This work is critical for maintaining public safety and reliable utility services.
More about Pole Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Pole Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Pole Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Pole Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Pole Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pole Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Utility Pole Inspector

Actalent

Milwaukee, WI

$23 - $26/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Utility Pole Inspector

Job Description

The Utility Pole Inspector is responsible for inspecting, measuring, and documenting utility poles and aerial infrastructure. This role involves utilizing IKE devices and software to capture precise field data essential for engineering, make-ready, and asset management. The position supports electric utilities, telecom providers, and engineering firms by providing accurate pole loading and attachment data collection.

Responsibilities

  • Perform detailed utility pole inspections in accordance with NESC and utility standards.
  • Identify and document structural defects such as rot, cracks, leaning, and decay.
  • Document pole class, height, and species, if applicable.
  • Identify existing attachments including telecom, CATV, and power.
  • Capture field data including attachment heights and spacing, clearances, and guying and anchoring conditions.
  • Collect high-resolution photos of poles and equipment.
  • Operate IKEGPS devices (e.g., IKE 4 or IKE 3) to measure pole and attachment heights using laser technology.
  • Capture GPS coordinates and asset location data.
  • Use IKE Office / IKE Insight software to upload and process field measurements and generate pole models and engineering-ready reports.
  • Ensure accurate data collection to support make-ready engineering, joint-use applications, and fiber deployment projects.
  • Document existing pole conditions for attachment applications.
  • Identify space available for new attachments and code violations or clearance issues.
  • Support engineering teams by providing field-verified pole data and redlines and corrections to design prints.

Essential Skills

  • 1–3+ years of experience in utility field work, telecom OSP, pole inspections, or surveying.
  • Experience using IKE devices or similar measurement tools (laser/GPS).
  • Ability to interpret utility prints and pole loading diagrams, design, and civil maps.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with utility relocation, GIS, and IKEGPS certification.

Work Environment

Inspectors must be able to travel to various locations as needed throughout Wisconsin and Iowa.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/hr.

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 fully onsite position in Milwaukee,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment 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 the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge 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.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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