Utility Inspector (Distribution)

ENTRUST Solutions Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

ENTRUST Solutions Group in the Madison area is seeking a knowledgeable Utility Inspector to oversee natural gas distribution field activities, supervise contractors, and ensure compliance with OSHA, 49 C.F.R. Part 192, and client standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on oversight, quality control, and regulatory compliance, with a competitive hourly wage of $25.00 to $32.00, and opportunities to contribute to safety, documentation, and project success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in utility or pipeline industry.
• Experience with distribution main and service replacement projects.
• Strong knowledge of gas distribution regulations (49 C.F.R. Part 192).
• Ability to read and interpret utility plans, blueprints, and drawings.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; coordinate with contractors and landowners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct pipeline and gas distribution field activities to ensure OSHA and 49 CFR Part 192 compliance.
• Conduct visual inspections of installations to meet standards.
• Review engineering drawings and schedules for regulations and design.
• Exercise stop-work authority when codes or safety standards are not met.
• Perform QC checks on contractor work to ensure standards.
• Oversee excavation, backfill, pipe installation, purging, gas activation, pressure testing, and documentation.
• Maintain records of contractor activities and safety measures.
• Conduct daily safety inspections and tailgate meetings.
• Verify contractor Operator Qualifications and coordinate with landowners.
• Observe and report daily construction activities to ENE and client.

Skills

5+ years utility/pipeline experience

Distribution main & service work

Regulatory knowledge (49 CFR Part 192)

Read/interpret utility plans

Communication & problem-solving

Outdoor outdoor work ability

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Do you have the expertise and passion to make a difference in utility and pipeline safety? We are looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated Utility Inspector to join our dynamic team in the Madison, Wisconsin area. In this role, you’ll play a critical part in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of natural gas distribution projects, overseeing contractors and field activities while maintaining regulatory and client standards.

This is a full time, permanent role in the New Braunfels/San Marcos, TX, focusing on hands‑on oversight, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct pipeline and gas distribution field activities to ensure compliance with OSHA laws, Federal Safety Standards (49 C.F.R. Part 192), and client‑specific policies.
• Conduct visual inspections of pipeline and poly gas main installations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and specifications.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, codes, and construction schedules, verifying that projects meet all applicable regulations and are built as designed.
• Utilize independent judgment to determine whether federal codes and safety standards are being met and issue stop‑work orders if necessary.
• Perform quality control checks on contractor work, ensuring adherence to required standards and specifications.
• Oversee excavation, backfill, boring, pipe installation, purging, gas line activation, pressure testing, and documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed by contractor personnel, tracking compliance, efficiency, and safety measures.
• Conduct daily safety inspections and participate in safety briefings (tailgate meetings, JSAs) to ensure worksite safety.
• Verify contractor Operator Qualifications (OQ) for specific tasks and coordinate construction activities with landowners when needed.
• Observe, document, and report daily construction activities to both ENE and the client, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the utility or pipeline industry.
• Prior experience with distribution main and service replacement projects, particularly installing new poly mains and services.
• Strong knowledge of gas distribution, pipeline regulations (49 C.F.R. Part 192), and utility construction methods.
• Experience reading and interpreting utility plans, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills to coordinate with contractors, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and conduct field inspections.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the utility or pipeline industry.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams in the field.
• A passion for fieldwork and ensuring the safety and quality of every project.

Hourly Wage

The hourly wage for this position ranges from $25.00 to $32.00/hr, depending on experience and qualifications.

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, We Offer More Than Just a Job; We Provide a Pathway To Impactful And Fulfilling Work. Here’s Why You’ll Love Being Part Of Our Team

• Exciting Opportunities: Work on projects that shape the future of the pipeline industry and make a real impact.
• Growth‑Oriented Environment: Advance your career with professional development programs and clear pathways to success.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse and supportive team that values your unique skills and perspectives.

Not quite right for you? For a full listing of all our openings, please visit us at: Careers | ENTRUST Solutions Group

Who We Are

ENTRUST Solutions Group, an ENR Top 100 company, is a community of people, 3,000+ strong, who are committed to our clients and each other. We provide comprehensive and dependable engineering, consulting, and automation services to gas and electric utilities, telecommunication service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies.

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.