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Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tasks include digging trenches/pole holes, framing poles, pulling wire, and "grounding" systems ... Drive and operate utility vehicles (bucket trucks, digger derricks). Use specialized testing ...

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $125K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $125K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$109K - $116K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $125K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Power Distribution Senior Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Perform field inspections and evaluations of distribution electrical systems. * Produce detailed ... Pole Replacement, Primary Service, and Reliability/Maintenance Design. Qualifications Minimum

Showing results 21-40

Utility Pole Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole inspector in Virginia is $19.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $22.16 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 Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Utility Pole Inspector jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Utility Pole Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Pole Inspector job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,677 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Power Distribution Field Technician

Richmond, VA • On-site

MasTec Utility Services
Construction • 10K+ employees

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Professional Services provides results-driven engineering, design, and integrated services to the power, oil & gas pipeline, and gas distribution industries. With a genesis in construction and a skilled team of multidiscipline engineers and project management professionals, we deliver end-to-end solutions for infrastructure projects across the country. Committed to excellence in every aspect of our work, we create collaborative partnerships with our clients by building trust and consistently delivering the highest standards of performance.

Job Summary

The Power Distribution Field Technician will work on electric utility aerial and underground distribution design projects and be responsible for field surveying, data collection, and field notes/sketches.  Project types will include data collection of aerial and underground electric network distribution lines.   Will work under the supervision of a Project manager, senior designer, and/or engineer.


Responsibilities
  • Position would be on site daily and generally within 2 hours or less from Richmond, Virginia. Equipment to be used:
    • Digital Camera
    • Measuring wheel and/or laser range finder, IKE GPS units,
    • Smart device, laptop, or mobile phone
    • Angle finder
  • Perform field review of electric facilities capturing the required information
    • Pole Identification Markings (height / class, birthmark)
    • Centerline measurements, offsets, Mile Markers (for future permitting use)
    • Attachment heights of power equipment, conductors,
    • Sketch of site with measurements to nearby obstructions
    • Notation of existing equipment
    • Obtain GPS location
    • Photographs
  • Properly file data in the system and provide daily status reports.
    • Create folders and download photos
    • Scan notes and measurements, then save into folders
  • Conduct safety briefing discussions identifying critical work steps, the potential hazards related to those work steps, and possible control barriers.

Qualifications
  • High school Diploma or GED
  • Preferred but not required 1-  2 years’ experience with power distribution systems.
  • Valid driver’s license required with a clean driving record for the past 5 years.

Other Skills/Abilities preferred but not required.

  • High-level understanding of utility, telecommunications, and/or power design engineering preferred.
  • Familiarity with electrical standards including National Electric Code (NEC) and National Electric Safety Code (NESC) preferred.
  • Knowledge of distribution equipment and hardware in order to identify components from visual inspections and properly document preferred.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook required.
  • Experience reading and comprehending construction plans.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability and willingness to work outdoor in all weather conditions, around energized equipment, in confined spaces, in heavy traffic and construction environment with proper PPE.
  • This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground and lifting up to 20lbs.
  • Ability to travel local up to 100% of the time which includes commitment to temporary on-site assignments and occasional overnight stays as needed.
  • Driving company vehicle daily to work sites.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground, possible climbing of ladders or being in high places, working in tight spaces, lifting up to 50 pounds, and, in general, being overall physically demanding. It may also require work in an all-weather environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Qualifications:
  • High school Diploma or GED
  • Preferred but not required 1-  2 years’ experience with power distribution systems.
  • Valid driver’s license required with a clean driving record for the past 5 years.

Other Skills/Abilities preferred but not required.

  • High-level understanding of utility, telecommunications, and/or power design engineering preferred.
  • Familiarity with electrical standards including National Electric Code (NEC) and National Electric Safety Code (NESC) preferred.
  • Knowledge of distribution equipment and hardware in order to identify components from visual inspections and properly document preferred.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook required.
  • Experience reading and comprehending construction plans.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability and willingness to work outdoor in all weather conditions, around energized equipment, in confined spaces, in heavy traffic and construction environment with proper PPE.
  • This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground and lifting up to 20lbs.
  • Ability to travel local up to 100% of the time which includes commitment to temporary on-site assignments and occasional overnight stays as needed.
  • Driving company vehicle daily to work sites.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground, possible climbing of ladders or being in high places, working in tight spaces, lifting up to 50 pounds, and, in general, being overall physically demanding. It may also require work in an all-weather environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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