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Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Utility Pole Inspector information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole inspector in Cleveland, OH is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Utility pole inspectors with specialized skills, such as senior inspectors or those with certifications in electrical safety or advanced inspection techniques, tend to earn higher salaries. Supervisory or managerial roles in utility inspection also typically offer higher pay. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of the inspection environment influence earning potential.

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.

How to become a utility inspector?

To become a utility pole inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures. Relevant experience in utility work or construction, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training, can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important.

Do pipeline inspectors make good money?

Pipeline inspectors typically earn a competitive salary, with wages varying based on experience, certifications, and location. The job often requires knowledge of safety standards, inspection tools, and sometimes specialized certifications, which can influence earning potential.

What does a pole inspector do?

A pole inspector evaluates utility poles to ensure they are structurally sound and safe for electrical or communication lines. They inspect for damage, decay, or defects, often using tools like drones or climbing equipment, and may recommend repairs or replacements to prevent outages or hazards.

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 popular job titles related to Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Cleveland, OH? For Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Cleveland, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Cleveland, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Cleveland, OH are:
What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Utility Pole Inspector jobs? Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Utility Pole Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Utility Pole Inspector job openings in Cleveland, OH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,730 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

UAM Utility Designer 2 | Make Ready Engineering | Remote

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Richfield, OH • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Davey Tree rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 35 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

UAM Utility Designer 2 | Make Ready Engineering | Remote
Company: Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Locations: Richfield, OH
Additional Locations: Remote
Work Site: Remote
Req ID: 227118
Position Overview
The Utility Designer 2 is responsible for planning, designing, verifying locations, inspecting, or otherwise capturing information related to utility and telecommunication assets. This junior-level role involves learning and applying technical skills under supervision, using routine procedures to address common challenges.
The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries value each individual and strive to encourage diverse ideas and perspectives to inspire collaboration and empower our employees. We believe our commitment to building a culture of belonging by treating everyone with respect, dignity, empathy, and care is critical to achieving our vision and mission.
This position will involve fieldwork for training purposes during the first 45 days. Upon completion of training, the role will transition to a fully remote position.
Job Duties
Responsibilities:
• Utilize software to analyze field data.
• Utilize software for field data analysis.
• Maintain records of utility infrastructure.
• Identify and mitigate safety risks.
• Design aerial and underground utilities, ensuring compliance with standards including: remedy any National Electric Safety Code violations, perform pole loading analysis, incorporate utility specific standards and specifications.
• Optimize designs for cost-effectiveness and safety.
• Transfer designs across CAD and CU/MU platforms.
• Manage permitting processes.
• Correct database errors.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders for optimal design solutions.
• Maintain vehicle and equipment, ensuring operational readiness.
• Manage document systems effectively.
• Respond to emergencies safely and promptly.
• Report to supervisors accurately and promptly.
• Participate in training events.
• Travel occasionally for on-site duties.
• Perform other assigned duties and adhere to company policies.
Qualifications
  • Required: High-school diploma with a minimum of 2 years electric utility or telecommunications industry experience OR a Bachelor's degree in engineering (or related technical field) with no prior industry experience.
  • Required: Obtain and maintain professional certificates and licenses commensurate with project requirements.
  • Required: Demonstrate proficiency in CAD/Outside Plant Engineering design software, PLA software, Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace, and data entry.
  • Required: Strong communication skills including written and verbal. Read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos.
  • Required: Perform basic arithmetic computations.
  • Required: Apply understanding to carry out detailed instructions. Identify, address, and resolve problems involving multiple variables and varied situations.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
  • Preferred: 2-4 years prior electric utility or telecommunications industry experience.
  • Preferred: Electric hazard identification, electric equipment identification, or communication equipment identification capability.

Additional Information
What We Offer [Benefits]:
We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels.
• Group health plans*
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance*
• Life insurance*
• Paid parental leave
• 401k with up to a 4% company match**
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount
• Holidays and paid time off*
• Payroll savings plan*
• Charitable matching gift program*
• Employee referral bonus program*
• Employee Educational Scholarship*
• Davey Family Scholarship*
• 20% discount on all Davey services*
• Cell phone discounts*
• Vehicle purchase discount program*
• Plus, so much more!
* All listed benefits available to eligible employees on Day 1.
** Union employees are not eligible for a 401k plan, but may be eligible to join pension plans negotiated by their local union.
Company Overview
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
Utility Asset Management is a division of Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG), a Davey company. Davey has been employee-owned since 1979. Our engineering, field services, inspection, and construction teams help keep the world connected, supporting the infrastructure of our electric utility and communications partners. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our people, offering industry-leading training, technology, and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: None

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