Certified Applicator / Pole Inspection - Utility Infrastructure

Certified Applicator / Pole Inspection – Utility Infrastructure

Vantage Point Solutions is seeking a highly motivated Certified Applicator / Pole Inspection Specialist to support utility infrastructure inspections and chemical treatments. This role combines regulatory oversight for pesticide and herbicide applications with hands-on leadership of utility pole inspection and field assessment operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in utility right-of-way environments and utility pole inspection programs supporting electric utility maintenance and safety programs. This individual will serve as the Responsible Certified Applicator (RCA) while also managing field crews, conducting infrastructure assessments, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Please note: This is a full-time, 100% travel role requiring travel throughout project territories.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Oversight & Compliance

• Serve as the Responsible Certified Applicator (RCA) for pesticide and herbicide applications in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Ability to become certified in additional states as required.
• Ensure compliance with regulations established by applicable state Departments of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Maintain pesticide application records, chemical inventories, treatment documentation, and compliance reports.
• Conduct field audits and inspections to verify adherence to regulatory, environmental, and company safety standards.

Vegetation Management & Right-of-Way Support

• Develop and oversee vegetation management and right-of-way maintenance programs supporting utility infrastructure.
• Ensure safe and effective herbicide application practices to protect electric utility, telecommunications, and broadband assets.
• Identify vegetation risks, environmental concerns, and access challenges impacting utility poles and right-of-way corridors.
• Provide training and oversight to field personnel on chemical handling, application techniques, and safety procedures.
• Support Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) initiatives and infrastructure protection strategies.

Utility Pole Inspection & Infrastructure Assessment

• Perform detailed inspections of distribution, transmission, and telecommunications utility poles.
• Excavate around pole bases and assess internal and external pole conditions.
• Inspect poles, hardware, and equipment to determine maintenance, reinforcement, or replacement needs.
• Apply internal and external wood preservatives and perform pole tagging activities.
• Operate and maintain inspection equipment including resistograph drills and handheld data collection devices.
• Support quality assurance reviews and compliance checks for infrastructure inspection programs.

Field Operations & Crew Leadership

• Manage crews and multiple field staff while ensuring productivity and safety expectations are met.
• Collect and document detailed field data using handheld devices and GIS or asset management systems.
• Safely operate hand tools including hammers, shovels, drills, and related inspection equipment.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, customers, the public, and team members.
• Perform physical field activities including walking through rough terrain, crossing streams and fences, kneeling, lifting, and transporting equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project and organizational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Current Responsible Certified Applicator (RCA) license in Texas.
• Ability to obtain or maintain applicator licensing in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Ability to become certified in additional states as required.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in vegetation management, right-of-way maintenance, pesticide application, utility inspection, or related field services.
• Minimum 1 year of experience managing crews or field personnel in utility infrastructure or pole inspection operations.
• Experience working on utility pole inspection programs or utility infrastructure field services.
• Strong understanding of:
• Herbicide and pesticide application practices
• Utility right-of-way vegetation management
• Distribution, transmission, and telecommunications infrastructure
• Regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship
• Ability to maintain accurate field documentation and inspection records.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License (Real ID preferred) with a clean driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to work independently, safely, and productively with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively for project support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing applicator licenses or reciprocity in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, Georgia, or Florida.
• Experience supporting electric utilities, telecommunications providers, or broadband infrastructure projects.
• Experience with wood pole inspection, pole loading analysis, or asset assessment programs.
• Familiarity with GIS-based asset management systems and field data collection tools.
• Knowledge of Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) programs.
• Experience operating and maintaining resistograph drilling equipment.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers competitive pay and an attractive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and additional company benefits

About Vantage Point Solutions

Founded in 2002, Vantage Point Solutions is a customer-focused, technology-driven engineering and consulting firm serving the broadband, power, and financial industries.

At VPS, people come first — both clients and employees. Our team is driven by a commitment to client satisfaction while fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, and camaraderie.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage Point Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.