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Utility Pole Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utility Pole Inspector

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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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Utility Pole information

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$10

$19

$32

How much do utility pole jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole in the United States is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Utility Pole vs Line Installer?

AspectUtility PoleLine Installer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, possibly CDLHigh school diploma, safety training, possibly CDL
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, working on or near utility polesOutdoor, installing and maintaining power lines on poles
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, telecom providersUtility companies, construction firms
Common Search & ComparisonUtility Pole vs Line Installer

Utility pole workers and line installers often share similar credentials and work environments, both working outdoors on utility infrastructure. However, utility pole workers focus on maintaining and inspecting poles, while line installers specialize in installing and repairing power lines on those poles. Both roles are essential in the utility industry and require safety training and certifications.

What are some common safety challenges faced by utility pole technicians, and how are they addressed on the job?

Utility Pole Technicians often work at significant heights and around high-voltage equipment, which presents unique safety challenges. To mitigate risks, technicians regularly undergo specialized safety training, use personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses and insulated gloves, and adhere to strict safety protocols established by their employers and industry regulations. Teamwork is essential, as technicians often rely on spotters or partners for support and communication while working aloft. Regular safety briefings and equipment inspections are also part of the daily routine to ensure a safe work environment.

What is a utility pole?

A Utility Pole job typically involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility poles that support electrical, telecommunications, and cable lines. Workers in this role ensure poles are properly placed, structurally sound, and compliant with safety regulations. Responsibilities may include climbing poles, working with heavy equipment, and addressing outages or damages caused by weather or accidents. This job requires physical strength, technical skills, and adherence to safety procedures when working at heights and near live electrical lines.

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

To thrive as a Utility Pole Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized technical training. Familiarity with climbing gear, bucket trucks, electrical testing equipment, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient installation and maintenance of utility poles and minimizing service disruptions.
More about Utility Pole jobs
What cities are hiring for Utility Pole jobs? Cities with the most Utility Pole job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Pole jobs? The most popular types of Utility Pole jobs are:
What states have the most Utility Pole jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Pole jobs include:
Infographic showing various Utility Pole job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,029 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Utility Pole Inspector

Actalent

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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 Madison, 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 Madison,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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