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Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utility Worker

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$33.63 - $36.65/hr

Performs daily inspection of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems on diesel locomotives and ... May operate pressure washer and wash rail equipment exterior with extended pole and brush.

Utility Worker

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$35.36 - $41.15/hr

Performs daily inspection of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems on diesel locomotives and ... May operate pressure washer and wash rail equipment exterior with extended pole and brush.

Utility Worker

Auburn, CA

$35.36 - $41.15/hr

Performs daily inspection of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems on diesel locomotives and ... May operate pressure washer and wash rail equipment exterior with extended pole and brush.

Utility Worker

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$33.63 - $36.65/hr

Performs daily inspection of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems on diesel locomotives and ... May operate pressure washer and wash rail equipment exterior with extended pole and brush.

Distribution Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... Perform engineering calculations such as: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying ...

Distribution Engineer

La Jolla, CA ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... Perform engineering calculations such as: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying ...

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... BOUD, Pole Foreman, and Spida-Calc experience is a plus. * Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel ...

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... Perform engineering calculations such as: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying ...

Distribution Engineer

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... Perform engineering calculations such as: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying ...

You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while ... BOUD, Pole Foreman, and Spida-Calc experience is a plus. * Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel ...

Showing results 21-40

Utility Pole Inspector information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole inspector in California is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Utility Pole Inspector vs Line Locator?

AspectUtility Pole InspectorLine Locator
Required CertificationsTypically OSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, utility marking certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting utility poles outdoors, climbing, and assessing structural integrityLocating underground or overhead lines, often outdoors or in utility rights-of-way
Employer & Industry UsageElectric, telecommunications, and utility companiesUtility companies, contractors, and construction firms
Common Search & ComparisonUtility Pole Inspector vs Line Locator

The Utility Pole Inspector and Line Locator roles both operate within the utility industry and require safety certifications. While the Utility Pole Inspector focuses on inspecting and assessing the condition of utility poles, the Line Locator specializes in identifying underground or overhead utility lines. Both jobs are essential for safe and efficient utility maintenance, often working outdoors in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges utility pole inspectors face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility Pole Inspectors often work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrains, which can present physical challenges such as navigating rough ground or dealing with extreme temperatures. Another common challenge is accurately identifying and documenting issues like decay, hardware faults, or safety hazards, which requires attention to detail and strong observational skills. Communication with utility companies and crews is also critical, as inspectors must report findings clearly and sometimes coordinate urgent repairs. To address these challenges, inspectors typically use specialized equipment and digital tools, receive safety training, and follow established inspection protocols to ensure efficiency and safety.

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

To thrive as a Utility Pole Inspector, you need a solid understanding of utility infrastructure, safety standards, and inspection protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant field experience. Familiarity with inspection software, GPS devices, and digital data entry tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help inspectors accurately assess pole conditions and report findings. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of utility networks.

What does a utility pole inspector do?

A Utility Pole Inspector is responsible for examining utility poles, such as those used for electricity or telecommunications, to ensure they are safe and structurally sound. Their duties include visually inspecting poles for decay, damage, and hazards, as well as testing the wood or material integrity. Inspectors document their findings, recommend repairs or replacements, and help utility companies maintain a safe and reliable infrastructure. This role often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and traveling between inspection sites.

What does a utility pole inspector do?

As a utility pole inspector, your duties are to lead a crew of field workers in providing routine maintenance and remedial treatment of wood poles used to carry power lines and other above-ground utility lines. You identify any decay or defects with poles and oversee crews as they replace defective utility poles. To accomplish your responsibilities as a utility pole inspector, you must have knowledge of a variety of hand tools and specialized equipment used for assessment and replacement purposes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California? For Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Pole Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Utility Pole Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Utility Pole Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Utility Pole Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,491 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Electric System Inspector

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Blythe, CA โ€ข On-site

$45.51 - $53.58/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become an 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 Distribution assets. As an 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
  • Posses a valid Class C Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience conducting electric utility construction and maintenance inspections.
  • Foundational knowledge of overhead electric infrastructure construction with the ability to learn detailed technical requirements quickly.
  • 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 Blythe, CA. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time throughout the SCE 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.
  • The job is a 4/10 (M-Th) schedule.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • Must successfully pass the SCE required training program.
  • 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 test: EEI CAST Test #5108. Candidates who have previously passed these assessment(s), in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.

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.