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Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Perform pre and post-trip inspections, as well as routine maintenance * Performing Required Daily Vacuum Excavation Tasks: * Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Perform pre and post-trip inspections, as well as routine maintenance * Performing Required Daily Vacuum Excavation Tasks: * Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes ...

Superior Pipeline Services

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Perform pre and post-trip inspections, as well as routine maintenance * Performing Required Daily Vacuum Excavation Tasks: * Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes ...

Verizon

Outside Plant Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Performing field meetings, inspection of construction in progress, and quality control of final ... Ability to coordinate with vendors, utility providers, and local government agencies * Estimate ...

All JobsUtility Pole Inspector JobsUtility Pole Inspector Jobs in Detroit, MI

Utility Pole Inspector information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do utility pole inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pole inspector in Detroit, MI is $19.49, 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 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.

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The top searched job categories for Utility Pole Inspector jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Utility Pole Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Pole Inspector job openings in Detroit, MI as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,541 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Power Distribution Designer - #2881.20

Taylor, MI • Hybrid

Wade Trim
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Wade Trimexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Wade Trim rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What We Offer:
 
Our excellent salary and benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, education reimbursement, 401(k), performance bonuses, and an employee stock program. Employee Resource Groups and Programs offered include the Young Professionals Group, Women at Wade Trim, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professional Development, Leadership Development, Mentor Program, Sustainability Program, and Wellness Program.
 
Position Description:

This position requires a basic knowledge of computers and a more than basic knowledge of Katapult, ikeGPS, O-Calc, SPIDAcalc, or other similar programs is required. The candidate must also be comfortable working in the field occasionally and must be self-motivated and able to work well with others.
Typical responsibilities include:
  • Develop and train a Make Ready team
  • Ensure project team has the knowledge and tools to complete tasks
  • Manage resources to successfully deliver project to client on time and under budget while meeting or exceeding client expectations
  • Execute and/or lead execution of projects
  • Attend client, staff, and project meetings
  • Travel to job sites for weeks at a time for project execution, training, or quality purposes
  • Ability to coordinate and design joint use pole attachments and make ready recommendations
  • Coordinate with Engineering team members regarding overall aerial processes ensuring accuracy, completeness, and delivery of all work
  • Coordinate with team to determine appropriate scope of pole installs including; NESC standards for cable 
  • attachments, spacing and midspans regulations, and utility pole owner regulations
  • Gather appropriate information from field collection process to identify pole owners and complete the necessary application process
  • Ability to perform various field inspections, site walks, Katapult pole collections, etc.
  • Ability to identify existing pole conditions which include electrical equipment, pole configurations, and third party attachers
  • Ability to work within pole collection software such as Katapult, IKE, SPIDAcalc, O-Calc, and other similar applications
  • Read and understand construction prints, documents, and make ready summaries
  • Ability to create a 3-dimensional model of poles in O-Calc and SPIDAcalc to provide results to ensure safe and proper attachment to power and telecommunication poles
  • Review utility poles and field notes to determine most accurate make ready solution
  • Perform structural loading calculations using O-Calc or SPIDAcalc in accordance with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and pole owner protocol through inventory and analysis of pole type and class, riser details, attached facility type including weight and diameters, span footages, drip loops, etc.
  • Review proposed aerial projects and determine the overall cost analysis of the project; recommend the project to be conducted aerial or underground
  • Provide solutions for poles that fail pole loading or are not good candidates for new attachments
  • Ability to create make ready summaries for various pole owner requirements
  • Maintain a safe working environment
Education:
  •  High school diploma 
  • 2+ years of experience 
Skills/Experience:
  • Engineering administrative experience or field engineering experience is required
  • Experience using Katapult, ikeGPS, O-Calc, SPIDAcalc, or other similar programs is required
About Wade Trim:
 
Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We've been solving complex engineering challenges for a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a collaborative, friendly style to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.
 
Our supportive culture recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Mentoring and building skills of Wade Trim staff is a priority. Frequent interaction among staff is encouraged, company leadership is easily accessible, and opportunities are provided for staff to help shape the firm's future through strategic planning. Work/life balance is supported through a flexible, hybrid work schedule that brings team members together in the office at least three days a week and connects them virtually when working from home.
 
To solve our clients' toughest challenges, we've devoted ourselves to delivering innovative solutions. Our Office of Applied Technology (OAT) is dedicated to seeking new technologies or ways to apply existing technologies to enhance value to our clients and positively impact communities. All staff are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for innovative technologies or processes to adopt. This open-minded approach enables us to advance technology, foster innovation, and stay ahead of our clients' needs.
 
Wade Trim's success is shared by the employees that make it happen. Since our beginning, our firm has been 100% employee owned. This cultivates an ownership mindset that benefits our work approach, collaborative culture, and ability to deliver client solutions. We believe employee ownership drives the sustainability and growth of our firm and provides all our employees with opportunities for financial success.
 
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a friendly environment, please submit your resume by visiting the Careers section of our website at http://www.wadetrim.com/careers.
 
Wade Trim does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or CVs from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. Any submission made without a valid, signed agreement and an approved engagement request from Wade Trim's People Services Team will be considered the property of Wade Trim. Wade Trim reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidate submitted through unsolicited means without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. A valid agreement can only be signed by the Director of People Services. Resumes or candidate profiles submitted at the request of a Wade Trim employee who is not authorized by the People Services team do not constitute a valid engagement. Recruiters and agencies must have a current, written agreement authorized by the Director of People Services to be considered an approved vendor.
 
Wade Trim is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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