Utility Inspector

Inspection Technician - Pay: $20+/hr. Buffalo, NY

Job Description

The Utility Inspector performs field-based inspections of utility poles and related infrastructure to identify corrosion or damage, document findings, and support regulatory compliance. This role requires extensive walking in all weather conditions, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently throughout the day while maintaining accurate records and supporting regulatory audits.

Responsibilities

• Perform periodic inspections and surveys on utility poles at ground level to identify corrosion, damage, or other issues.
• Document all inspection findings clearly and accurately in compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Complete all required paperwork and electronic documentation in a timely and organized manner.
• Support the successful completion of regulatory audits and inspections by providing accurate records and information.
• Perform audit reviews with operations teams and support them during regulatory audits.
• Interface professionally with technical services, government agencies, emergency planning committees, emergency responders, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Use a handheld tablet to access daily routes and record inspection data.
• Report to the assigned job site each day using a personal vehicle and follow the list of addresses and sites provided.
• Work self-sufficiently in the field throughout the day, managing time and route effectively.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding attendance, schedule changes, and any issues encountered in the field.
• Participate fully in required training, including classroom sessions, practice exams, and homework, and demonstrate competency in inspection procedures.
• Follow all safety protocols and use provided safety equipment, including hard hat and safety vest.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures as outlined in the company handbook and training materials.

Essential Skills

• Valid state driver’s license.
• Ownership of a reliable vehicle/sedan for travel to and from multiple sites.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in the utility field or utility industry.
• At least 1 year of professional work experience with a consistent job history.
• At least 1 year of driving experience.
• Ability to walk for an 8-hour workday in all weather conditions.
• Professional demeanor with strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to speak clearly and explain the work being performed.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate documentation.
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Ability to remain attentive and engaged during training and classroom sessions.
• Comfort working in the utility field and construction-related environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in utility construction or related utility operations
• Experience as an inspection technician or in a similar inspection role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and initiative to solve problems in the field.
• Ability to follow structured training programs, complete homework and practice exams on personal time, and demonstrate competency through assessments.
• Comfort using handheld tablets or mobile devices for routing and data entry.
• Ability to handle various scenarios in the field based on training and established procedures.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing program with significant long-term opportunities in a major utility territory, including a structured multi-year initiative and future inspection cycles that recur over time. The organization offers clear upward mobility, with top performers having the chance to move into larger programs and more advanced roles. You benefit from a stable schedule, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to build a strong career path in the utility inspection and field services industry.

Work Environment

This is a 100% field-based position within a defined utility service territory. You travel daily using your own vehicle to multiple sites, reporting directly to job locations rather than an office. Standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with optional Saturday shifts available at the supervisor’s request and at your discretion. The role involves extensive walking outdoors in all weather conditions and working around utility infrastructure. You receive a simple tool set, field binder for paperwork, ID badges, tool belt, handheld tablet, safety vest, and hard hat. Initial training includes OSHA and company orientation, a structured classroom schedule, practice exams, and homework assignments that must be completed on your own time, with performance monitored for competency. Successful completion of training leads to independent field work; additional training or termination may result if competency is not demonstrated. Communication with supervisors regarding attendance and schedule is expected, and you operate largely self-sufficiently in the field using your tablet for daily routes and documentation.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Buffalo, NY.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.