Substation Inspector

Job Title: Substation Inspector Job Description
The Substation Inspector oversees the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of substation construction, maintenance, and capital improvement projects. Serving as the owners representative in the field, this role ensures that all work aligns with engineering drawings, project specifications, utility standards, OSHA requirements, and established quality control procedures. The position is well-suited for a professional with experience in high-voltage substation construction, electrical utility operations, commissioning, QA/QC, or power delivery projects.
Responsibilities
- Act as the owners representative on substation construction, maintenance, and capital improvement projects to ensure work is completed according to approved plans and standards.
- Verify that all construction activities comply with engineering drawings, one-line diagrams, construction packages, and project specifications.
- Monitor field work to confirm adherence to utility standards, OSHA regulations, arc flash requirements, and Minimum Approach Distances.
- Conduct quality inspections and provide construction oversight on utility power projects to maintain high standards of workmanship and safety.
- Review and interpret electrical drawings, one-lines, and technical documentation to support accurate and compliant installation and maintenance activities.
- Observe and document work performed around energized transmission and distribution equipment, ensuring safe practices are followed at all times.
- Oversee and confirm proper use of utility clearances, switching procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and hold orders to protect personnel and equipment.
- Identify non-compliance or quality issues in the field and communicate findings to project stakeholders, supporting timely corrective actions.
- Support commissioning and power delivery activities by verifying that equipment and systems are installed and tested according to project and utility requirements.
- Maintain detailed records and reports of inspections, observations, and quality control checks to support project documentation and audits.
Essential Skills
- Journeyman Lineman or Journeyman Substation Electrician certification or equivalent experience.
- At least 5 years of utility power construction experience.
- Hands-on experience with substation construction and maintenance activities.
- Experience working safely around energized transmission and distribution equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, construction packages, and technical specifications.
- Experience with utility clearances, switching operations, lockout/tagout procedures, and hold orders.
- Quality inspection or construction oversight experience on utility projects.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations relevant to utility and substation work.
- Understanding of arc flash requirements and associated safety practices.
- Knowledge of Minimum Approach Distances and their application in field operations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Background in high-voltage substation construction or electrical utility operations.
- Experience with commissioning activities and power delivery projects.
- Familiarity with utility standards and quality control procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and compliance.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with field crews and project stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently in the field while making sound, safety-focused decisions.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily in field-based substation environments where construction, maintenance, and capital improvement activities are underway around high-voltage transmission and distribution equipment. The Substation Inspector works on active utility sites, frequently outdoors and in varying weather conditions, and must consistently follow OSHA regulations, arc flash safety practices, and Minimum Approach Distances. The position involves close collaboration with utility crews and contractors, regular review of electrical drawings and construction packages, and adherence to established utility clearance, switching, lockout/tagout, and hold order procedures. Work schedules may vary based on project needs and system operations, and the environment emphasizes safety, quality, and precise compliance with technical standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.