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Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

" Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both ...

Pole Foreperson

Joliet, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Pole Foreperson

Champaign, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Pole Foreperson

Rockford, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Description " Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training ...

Foreman

Cherry Valley, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Excellent advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing company Your Responsibilities as a Utility Pole Inspection Foreman: * Hiring, training, and supervising a field crew of 1-5 people

Foreman

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Excellent advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing company Your Responsibilities as a Utility Pole Inspection Foreman: * Hiring, training, and supervising a field crew of 1-5 people

Foreman

Joliet, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Excellent advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing company Your Responsibilities as a Utility Pole Inspection Foreman: * Hiring, training, and supervising a field crew of 1-5 people

Foreman

Coal Valley, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Excellent advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing company Your Responsibilities as a Utility Pole Inspection Foreman: * Hiring, training, and supervising a field crew of 1-5 people

Weld Tech

Clinton, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

In this role, you will provide the Clinton, IL utility pole manufacturing plant with welding and ... The Plant Welding Technician will have strong hands-on welding skills, visual weld inspection ...

Weld Tech

Clinton, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

In this role, you will provide the Clinton, IL utility pole manufacturing plant with welding and ... The Plant Welding Technician will have strong hands-on welding skills, visual weld inspection ...

Weld Tech

Clinton, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

In this role, you will provide the Clinton, IL utility pole manufacturing plant with welding and ... The Plant Welding Technician will have strong hands-on welding skills, visual weld inspection ...

Welder

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30.36/hr

Meyer Utility Structures is searching for Welders for the Clinton, IL utility pole manufacturing plant. The qualified Welder will have strong hands-on welding skills, visual weld inspection ...

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Showing results 1-20

Utility Pole Inspector information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole inspector in Illinois is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Utility Pole Inspector job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,758 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Pole Foreperson

Grid One Solutions, LLC

Champaign, IL • On-site

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead a crew of 1 to 5 people in routine maintenance and remedial treatment of wood poles used for power lines and utility lines.

  • Collect field data, maintain daily and weekly reports, and ensure safety, quality, and production goals are met.

  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment required for pole inspection and maintenance.


Grid One Solutions rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

"

Foreperson Utility Pole Inspection GOS

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the willingness and the ability to learn the wooden pole inspection process through an up to 8-week training period of both on-the-job and classroom instruction, will demonstrate good work ethics, and enjoy working outdoors.  A company vehicle will be issued once successful completion of the training and transitioned to the foreperson’s responsibilities. This role requires travel. Please refer to the details mentioned in the travel section for more information!

As a utility pole inspection foreperson, you'll 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'll also gain experience identifying any decay or defects with poles. This is a skilled trade and entry level position into the utility industry!

PPE will be provided, including Hardhat, Safety Vest, Safety glasses, work gloves, etc. You’ll be required to provide acceptable workwear and good work boots with a hard toe.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay

  • $23.00 - $30.00 per hour based on experience.
  • After on-the-job training is completed the pay rate will increase to $24.00 - $30.00 based on experience & performance.
  • Per Diem is offered based on travel criteria.
  • Performance Incentive Program.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) from day one
  • Company-sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life, long-term/short-term disability insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Holidays after 90 days

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Hiring, training, managing, and supervising a crew of 1 to 5 people.
  • Maintain all tools, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Achieve expected safety, quality, and production goals.
  • Collect field data and maintain daily and weekly reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • The ideal candidates will be ambitious, career-minded, and safety-conscious. 
  • Computer and smartphone literate
  • Ability to read maps and navigate in congested areas.
  • Independently manage time and workload to meet deadlines.
  • Mechanically inclined and has experience with a variety of tools.
  • This is an outdoor position; the ideal candidate will understand the importance of adapting to various elements and weather conditions.
  • This is a minimum 40-hour workweek with Saturdays considered inclement weather make-up days.

Education & Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • Experience with Wooden pole inspection is preferred but not required.

Pre-Screen:

  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • Driver's License Required.

Travel Requirements:

  • Willing to travel locally, statewide, and regionally as needed. Overnight stays will be necessary (Paid hotel accommodations provided by the employer and a per-diem).
  • Must be willing to travel to complete the initial required training as needed and based on experience.

Physical Requirements:

  • RARE (less than 10%): squatting, depth-perception, color-vision, crawling, pushing, pulling, seeing distant, climbing ladders, balancing, gripping
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, kneeling, squatting, body-twisting, sense-of-touch, manual-dexterity, lifting up to 10 lbs., lifting up to 50 lbs., lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., climbing stairs, carrying, lifting, range-of-motion, reaching
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): standing, walking, sitting
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): seeing, reading, hearing-speech-range, speaking clearly

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.

"


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