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Trainee Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in Temecula, CA

Trainee Utility Pole Inspector information

See Temecula, CA salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do trainee utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee utility pole inspector in Temecula, CA is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Utility Pole Inspector vs Utility Pole Inspector?

AspectTrainee Utility Pole InspectorUtility Pole Inspector
CertificationsOften requires basic safety and industry certifications, training programsTypically holds advanced certifications, licenses, or specialized training
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training, supervised inspections, learning industry standardsIndependent inspections, field assessments, detailed reporting
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with inspections, learning inspection procedures, shadowing experienced inspectorsConducting inspections, identifying issues, documenting conditions

The main difference between a Trainee Utility Pole Inspector and a Utility Pole Inspector is experience and responsibility level. Trainees are in learning phases, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while inspectors are fully responsible for conducting inspections independently. Trainees work under supervision, whereas inspectors perform detailed assessments and report findings.

What are some typical challenges faced by trainee utility pole inspectors, and how can they be addressed?

Trainee Utility Pole Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating difficult terrain, and ensuring safety around live electrical equipment. Adapting to these environments requires strong attention to safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and effective communication with team members. Over time, gaining hands-on experience and shadowing seasoned inspectors helps trainees build confidence and learn best practices for efficient and safe inspections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee utility pole inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Utility Pole Inspector, you need a strong understanding of safety protocols, basic electrical knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools, GPS devices, data entry systems, and often OSHA or utility safety certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately assessing poles and reporting findings. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure utility infrastructure safety, compliance, and uninterrupted service.

What is a trainee utility pole inspector?

A Trainee Utility Pole Inspector is an entry-level professional who assists in examining and evaluating the condition of utility poles, such as those used for electrical and telecommunication lines. They work under the supervision of experienced inspectors to learn how to identify structural issues, safety hazards, and compliance with industry standards. Their duties often involve fieldwork, collecting data, documenting findings, and sometimes performing minor maintenance. This role is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of utility infrastructure. Trainees typically receive on-the-job training and may need to meet certain physical and safety requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Temecula, CA?

For Trainee Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Temecula, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Temecula, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Temecula, CA are:

What cities near Temecula, CA are hiring for Trainee Utility Pole Inspector jobs?

Cities near Temecula, CA with the most Trainee Utility Pole Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Utility Pole Inspector job openings in Temecula, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,070 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Distribution Groundman - San Jacinto Region

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$33.97 - $46.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Distribution Groundman at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be responsible for the construction, inspection, maintenance, and restoration of all overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
As a Distribution Groundman, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions, and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to tackle the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Assists Linemen to gain poles, frame cross-arms, assemble guys, and splice wire.
  • Loads and unloads material.
  • Raises material and tools on pole or tower by use of handline.
  • Dismantles material removed from the line and places on trucks.
  • Digs holes for poles and anchors.
  • Drives ground rods and pull wires and guys to tension.
  • Attends winch while handling heavy material and attends reels while stringing wire.
  • Makes and maintains trails, fells trees, hoes weeds around poles and towers.
  • Learns tools, materials, and methods of line construction and maintenance.
  • Operates truck and power equipment used in overhead and underground line construction. May occasionally operate vehicles up to the 12,000 lb. unladen weight class.
  • Maintains a safety "own it" attitude where you choose to be safe for what and who you value.
  • Performs other miscellaneous manual labor functions as advised.
  • 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
  • Experience or training with basic construction activities.
  • Possess a valid Class A motor vehicle operator's license.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with electrical tools, materials, and methods employed in overhead and underground line construction and maintenance.
  • Experience as a Groundman working on overhead and underground construction.
  • A certificate of completion from an SCE-accredited training program with Pole Climbing Endorsement such as East LA Skills Center, LA Trade Tech, Northwest Lineman's College, Electrical Lineman Apprentice, Electrical Line Worker or Electrical Utility Program.
  • Experience with performing heavy manual labor.
  • CPR certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Additional Information
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Relocation assistance will not be offered.
  • This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
  • 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
  • We have multiple Groundman postings specific to the work location that is hiring. Please apply to locations you're interested to work in.

Testing
  • This position requires testing and applicants who are identified to continue through the selection process will be invited to test via email. Reference our Information Guides for the following tests: EEI CAST (Test #5108) and Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015). Candidates who have previously passed these assessment(s), in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.
  • The EEI CAST (Test #5108) is held in Irwindale, California. The Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015) is held in Chino or Westminster, California. We do not offer travel reimbursement for this position. Please note that the EEI CAST and Physical are held on different days, usually a few weeks apart.

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 (833) 343-0727.