Utility Inspector Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Inspector 

Type: W2 Staffing | Full-Time 

Location: Santa Clarita, CA (On-site) 

Salary: $110K–$160K DOE 

Duration: 12+ months, with extension likely through 2027 

About the Role 

Innovation Consulting is partnered with a leading infrastructure and engineering firm to recruit an Electrical Inspector for a utility capital improvement program in the Santa Clarita area. This engagement supports active construction and commissioning work at an operating natural gas utility storage facility, where new medium-voltage electrical infrastructure is being installed and energized in connection with a large-scale compressor modernization program. 

The Inspector will be embedded with the construction management team on-site, providing day-to-day field inspection and quality oversight across the full electrical scope: incoming medium-voltage switchgear, step-down transformer installation, power distribution centers, load migration, and programmable logic controller installations. The role requires direct coordination with the construction contractor and utility representatives, and candidates must be comfortable working in a live utility environment with the associated hazards and sequencing demands. 

Construction is underway and engineering is still in progress. The initial term is estimated at 12+ months, with extensions through 2027 and beyond expected as construction scope advances. As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for this engagement. 

Key Responsibilities 

Field Inspection and Quality Control 

• Inspect installation of medium-voltage electrical equipment, including incoming switchgear, step-down power transformers, power distribution centers (PDCs), motor control centers (MCCs), and associated conductors, conduit systems, and terminations 
• Verify work conforms to project drawings, one-line diagrams, specifications, applicable codes (NEC, NFPA 70E), and utility owner standards at each phase of construction 
• Document inspection activities, deficiencies, and corrective actions; maintain accurate daily field logs and inspection records throughout the program 
• Issue non-conformance reports (NCRs) for deficient work; track and verify resolution through closeout 

Commissioning and Energization Support 

• Witness and document pre-energization checks, protective relay testing, and energization sequences for MV switchgear and power transformers 
• Support load migration activities, verifying that circuit transfers are performed per approved procedures and that new distribution infrastructure is inspected and accepted prior to load transfer 
• Inspect PLC panel installations, including control wiring, conduit, terminations, and power supply circuits, in coordination with controls and commissioning personnel 
• Support PDC commissioning as downstream distribution equipment is energized through the program’s construction sequence 

Coordination and Communication 

• Serve as the on-site quality interface between the electrical construction contractor and the engineering and construction management team 
• Communicate inspection status, open items, and field conditions to the project team clearly and in a timely manner 
• Participate in construction meetings, pre-activity planning sessions, hazard analyses, and safety briefings as required by the site safety plan 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Minimum 5 years of field experience inspecting electrical systems on industrial, utility, or heavy infrastructure construction projects 
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with medium-voltage/high-voltage systems (typically 5kV–115kV), including switchgear, power transformers, and distribution equipment 
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and applicable California electrical codes and standards 
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, one-line diagrams, equipment submittals, and project specifications 
• OSHA 10 certification (construction industry) 
• Strong written communication skills; ability to produce clear, accurate field inspection records and non-conformance reports 

Preferred 

• Prior inspection or QC experience on utility capital improvement programs, compressor station construction, or substation work 
• Experience witnessing or supporting commissioning and energization of MV switchgear and power transformers, including pre-energization testing and protective relay verification 
• Familiarity with power distribution center construction, including PDC, transformer, switchgear, MCC, and control panel installations 
• Experience with PLC installation inspections, including control wiring, terminations, and power circuit verification 
• OSHA 30 certification (construction industry) 
• NETA certification or equivalent third-party electrical testing background 
• California State Electrical Inspector certification 

Compensation & Employment 

Employment Type: W2 staffing — you will be employed by Innovation Consulting and placed on assignment with our client 

Duration: 12+ months; extension through 2027 expected based on active construction scope 

Salary: $110,000–$160,000 DOE, paid as W2 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; eligibility upon hire 

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday; site schedule subject to project requirements 

Location: On-site in Santa Clarita, CA. Relocation required if not a commutable distance from Santa Clarita. 

Innovation Consulting places engineering and technical professionals on meaningful infrastructure programs across the country. We take time to match candidates to engagements where their background fits the work — not the other way around. 

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.