Foreman - Utilty Pole Inspector

Exo; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

EXO Inc. in the United States seeks a Wood Services Crew Leader/Foreman to oversee inspections of wooden utility poles, ensure safety standards, and manage a crew of at least one Laborer. You will document findings, coordinate with stakeholders, and guide repairs or replacements as needed.

The role emphasizes thorough field inspections, adherence to safety protocols, and hands-on leadership. Travel up to 75% is required, with a focus on reliability and quality across projects in our utility

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional vocational training or experience in related field preferred.
• Strong planning and task management skills.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and equipment.
• OSHA 10 training.
• Pesticide Applicator License for state of residence.

Responsibilities

• Inspection Protocol: Execute detailed inspections of wooden utility poles based on established safety guidelines, industry standards, and company protocols.
• Structural Assessment: Evaluate the structural integrity of wooden poles, examining for signs of decay, cracks, splits, insect infestation, or any other compromising factors.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety regulations, identifying potential hazards and recommending necessary actions for repair or replacement.
• Reporting: Accurately record inspection information into data collection application including taking pictures and attaching required information while outlining inspection results, highlighting critical issues, and providing recommendations for corrective measures.
• Collaboration: Liaise with relevant stakeholders to communicate inspection outcomes and support the implementation of recommended actions.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute insights for the enhancement of inspection procedures, tools, or methodologies to optimize efficiency and accuracy.
• Leadership: Direct the activities of crew members, assign duties, provide guidance, training, and monitor performance to ensure safety and standards.
• Resource and Equipment Readiness: Maintain inventory levels and ensure equipment readiness for projects.

Skills

Strong planning and task management

Attention to detail

Hand tools proficiency

High travel tolerance

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

OSHA 10 training

Tools

Hand tools

Digging tools

Job description

EXO Inc. has been protecting public infrastructure across the U.S. since 2009. Without consistent maintenance and quality assurance, critical assets face a growing risk of failure over time. EXO delivers engineering, inspection, and remediation services for lighting poles, transmission towers, and other infrastructure exposed to ongoing wear from usage, aging, and environmental conditions.

With deep expertise in vertical infrastructure, EXO builds on years of engineering design and fabrication experience across utilities, telecom, transportation, and retail sectors. This foundation supports a comprehensive inspection and asset management approach that addresses both new installations and aging structures requiring immediate attention.

Recognizing that full replacement is often impractical due to cost and safety constraints, EXO developed its “Ex-Tend” approach to manage assets throughout their entire life cycle. From initial quality assurance to ongoing inspection and targeted repairs, this method is designed to extend service life and improve reliability. Supported by data-driven insights, EXO helps clients monitor asset conditions and make informed, strategic decisions.

The Wood Services Crew Leader/Foreman is responsible for conducting thorough inspections of wooden utility poles to ensure compliance with safety standards, structural integrity, and overall quality. This role involves comprehensive assessments, documentation, and reporting of findings to maintain the reliability and safety of utility pole networks. Daily management of a crew consisting of at least one Laborer.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection Protocol: Execute detailed inspections of wooden utility poles based on established safety guidelines, industry standards, and company protocols.
• Structural Assessment: Evaluate the structural integrity of wooden poles, examining for signs of decay, cracks, splits, insect infestation, or any other compromising factors
• Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety regulations, identifying potential hazards and recommending necessary actions for repair or replacement
• Reporting: Accurately record inspection information into data collection application including taking pictures and attaching required information while outlining inspection results, highlighting critical issues, and providing recommendations for corrective measures. Ensure crew member hours are properly documented and recorded and provide approval upon completion
• Collaboration: Liaise with relevant stakeholders to communicate inspection outcomes and support the implementation of recommended actions
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute insights for the enhancement of inspection procedures, tools, or methodologies to optimize efficiency and accuracy
• Leadership: Responsible for overseeing an directing the activities of crew members, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, safety and to standard. This includes assigning duties, providing guidance and support, training and development, monitoring performance, promoting teamwork and ensuring compliance with company policies and safety regulations.
• Resource and Equipment Readiness : Maintain adequate inventory levels for projects, maintain equipment and tools to ensure readiness for job.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional vocational training or experience in related field preferred.
• Strong planning and task management skills.
• Proficient understanding of wood pole materials, construction, decay mechanisms, and safety standards.
• Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and equipment.
• Capability to perform fieldwork utilizing a shovel to excavate and apply preservatives and protective coatings while adhering to safety protocols.
• Proficient in working independently, prioritizing tasks effectively, and problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 75%.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• OSHA 10 training.
• Pesticide Applicator License for state of residence.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy objects and equipment.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks and for extended periods without excessive fatigue.
• Capability to walk long distances in uneven terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Good hand-eye coordination essential for operating machinery and tools accurately.
• Ability to handle tools and materials skillfully and safely.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Maintaining physical stability while performing task, especially on uneven or unstable surfaces.

Mental Requirements

• Attention to Detail:
  • Precision: Ensuring accuracy in measurements and execution of tasks.
  • Awareness: Staying alert to avoid hazards and ensure safety.
• Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Critical Thinking: Ability to assess situations and identify solutions to challenges that arise.
  • Adaptability: Adjusting methods and strategies as needed when encountering obstacles.
• Communication Skills:
  • Clear Communication: Ability to understand and follow instructions and convey information effectively to team members.
  • Teamwork: Working well with others, coordinating efforts, and sharing information.
• Safety Consciousness:
  • Knowledge of Safety Protocols: Understanding and adhering to safety regulations and best practices.
  • Risk Management: Identifying potential hazards and taking steps to mitigate them.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Tool and Equipment Proficiency: Familiarity with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of digging tools.
  • Basic Engineering Understanding: Knowledge of soil types, excavation techniques, and structural considerations.