Utility / Storm Response Damage Assessor
20 days ago
Schenectady
Job Description Damage Assessor – Job Description American Resources, LLC Position Type: 1099 Independent Contractor Industry: Utility / Storm Response / Emergency Field Services Travel: Required during storm events Schedule: On-call / As needed (not full-time) Position Overview A Damage Assessor is responsible for assessing, documenting, and reporting damage to electrical utility infrastructure following storms, natural disasters, or emergency events. Damage Assessors work in the field—often under challenging conditions—to quickly and accurately identify hazards, collect data, and support utility crews in restoring power safely and efficiently. This role is vital to storm response operations and requires strong observation skills, reliability, and a commitment to safety. Key Responsibilities • Survey and assess damage to electric utility equipment, including:, • Downed wires, • Broken poles, • Damaged transformers, • Crossarms, insulators, and hardware, • Trees or debris impacting lines, • Document all findings using:, • Utility-provided forms, • Mobile apps or tablets, • Photographs and GPS coordinates, • Report hazards promptly and accurately to utility dispatch or designated supervisor., • Identify and categorize damage using utility standards and guidelines., • Provide detailed and clear information to assist repair crews in efficient restoration., • Work safely around energized lines and hazardous storm conditions (without performing electrical work)., • Communicate effectively with dispatch, line crews, first responders, and the public., • Travel to assigned locations during storm events, sometimes with short notice., • Follow all company and utility safety requirements at all times. Safety Responsibilities • Maintain situational awareness around downed wires, traffic, and storm debris., • Wear required PPE, including high-visibility apparel, boots, gloves, and hard hat., • Never touch or handle electrical equipment., • Establish safe distances from hazards while assessing damage. Qualifications • Valid driver’s license, • Ability to travel to storm sites, • Ability to work long hours in unpredictable weather, • Strong communication and note-taking skills, • Ability to follow instructions and utility guidelines carefully, • Experience in utility, construction, forestry, or field inspection roles, • Previous storm response experience, • Basic knowledge of electrical distribution systems (not required but helpful) Compensation • Paid hourly or per-diem structure depending on deployment, • Storm events may include:, • Premium rates, • Guaranteed daily minimums