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Instrument Man Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Will work primarily in the field as Jr. Crew Chief / Instrument Man on a one, two or three-person field crew. * Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for line of sight. * Reads and understands plans ...

Survey Field Instrument Man Location: Houston, TX Position Summary: Join our partner firm at Kuo & Associates (KUO) as a Survey Field Instrument Man, where you will play a vital role in supporting ...

Survey Field Instrument Man Location: Houston, TX Position Summary: Join our partner firm at Kuo & Associates (KUO) as a Survey Field Instrument Man, where you will play a vital role in supporting ...

Will work primarily in the field as Jr. Crew Chief / Instrument Man on a one, two or three-person field crew. * Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for line of sight. * Reads and understands plans ...

The Instrument Person requirements are a minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument man duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

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How much do instrument man jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument man in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument man?

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They assist the surveyor in collecting accurate field data for construction, mapping, and boundary determination. Their duties include setting up equipment, recording measurements, and ensuring data accuracy. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with surveying techniques and tools.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an instrument man on a survey crew?

An Instrument Man is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various surveying instruments to collect accurate data in the field. Daily tasks include assisting the Survey Party Chief in taking measurements, recording field notes, and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and positioned. The role often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires close collaboration with other team members. Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions precisely are vital for ensuring data integrity and the success of the overall survey project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument man, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Man, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, precise measurement skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with survey instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, data collectors, and relevant software is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills for success. These qualities ensure accurate data collection and efficient collaboration in dynamic, field-based environments.

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Infographic showing various Instrument Man job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,428 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Rodman/Instrument Man/Party Chief

Sinclair Land Surveying Inc

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Sinclair Land Surveying, Inc. is seeking professional candidates to fill Rodman/Instrument Man/Party Chief positions for a fast growing and fast paced office. Candidate must be highly motivated, detailed oriented, a self-starter and be able to work in all-weather condition. Candidate must also have a strong knowledge of land surveying principles and practices.
 
 The Instrument Man must know and be able to execute the duties of the Rodman and be capable to substitute for and perform the duties of the Party Chief when absent.
 
 Job Requirements:
 High School diploma or equivalent
 Valid State Identification card or driver's license
 Ability to pass a pre-employment screening
 Punctual, self-motivated, trustworthy and honest
 Ability to carry and lift equipment as needed
 Ability to cut and/or clear brush
 Ability to work in all-weather condition with different crew members
 Must be dependable to work 40+ hours per week or as required
 Attention to detail
 Ability to carefully follow written and verbal directions/instructions
 Communication skills - ability to communicate effectively with supervisors/team members
 Ability to adapt to different personalities
 Work well under pressure and commit to deadlines
 Experience a plus
 
 Working Conditions:
 Physical labor-twisting/turning, pulling/pushing/kneeling, reaching, bending, walking/standing for extended period
 Ability to concentrate and adapt to changing priorities on a regular basis
 
 Rodman Job Responsibilities:
Assist Party Chief with gathering field data for surveys.
Communicate with Party Chief/team members effectively.
Load and unload vehicle with the necessary equipment and supplies that are needed throughout day (Start of the shift and end of the shift)
Help prepare the job site for survey, responsible for clearing of brush and trees away from the survey line.
Properly operate equipment used in the collection of data for survey.
Responsible for holding prism rod steady for the surveyor to determine elevations, also measure how far different points are from each other.
Clean and maintain survey equipment and vehicles as needed
Drive company vehicle
Use of personal cell phones, whether by text, call or internet usage must be on authorized breaks or manager's approval.
Take directive orders from Party Chief to complete daily task.
Be professional and a team player
Be presentable and wear company uniform daily.
Complete jobs that are assigned from start to finish.
Be open to constructive criticism and feedback with positive attitude.
Take initiative, ask questions, and willingness to learn.
Perform other duties as assigned
Instrument Man Job Responsibilities:
Communicate with Party Chief/team members effectively
Take directive orders from Party Chief to complete daily task
Assist Party Chief with gathering field data for surveys
Sketching-ability to transition outside field sketch to a drafter with a clear understanding to complete the Survey process (Form, Final and Boundary)
Recognize, troubleshoot and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner
Properly operate equipment used in the collection of data for survey (ie: Total Stations and GPS units)
Read Plats and understand subject lot
Read engineering tape with ability to convert inches to tenths of a foot and vice versa
Work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines
Work 40+ hours per week or as required to complete jobs that are assigned from start to finish
Clean and maintain survey equipment and vehicles as needed
Be presentable and wear company uniform daily
Be professional and a team player
Take initiative, ask questions and willingness to learn
Be open to constructive criticism and feedback with a positive attitude
Use of personal cell phones, whether by text, call or internet usage must be on authorized breaks or manager's approval
Perform other duties as assigned
Summary of Party Chief Job Responsibilities:
Types of Surveys - Know the principles and methods used in performing a variety of types of surveys such as: photo control surveys, state plane coordinate surveys, public land surveys, metes and bounds surveys, GPS surveys, construction surveys, and as-built surveys.
 
Field Equipment & Instruments - Knowledge of proper field procedures. Knowledge of the care, cleaning and use of a variety of surveying tools and equipment. Know how to operate, check, and perform basic field adjustments on rods, compass, levels, tribrachs, total stations, robotic total stations, data collectors, tripods and GPS equipment.
 
Survey Computations - Have knowledge of trigonometry, geometry and algebra as related to traverse, inverse and intersection computations. Can perform horizontal and vertical traverse adjustments, area and quantity computations, and horizontal and vertical curve computations.
 
Control Points: Horizontal & Vertical - Know when to use, how to obtain and how to interpret control point records and data sheets, as well as locate points in the field.
 
Field Operations - Have knowledge of a wide variety of surveying field operation methods including but not limited to: traversing; triangulation; trilateration; repeating observations and precision measurements using steel tapes; construction layout methods and procedures. Know procedures for GPS surveys.
 
Field Notes - Know how to create, reduce, and check orderly field notes for standard surveying operations such as but not limited to: leveling, traversing, topographic mapping, construction layout, as-built surveys, boundary surveys, profile and cross section surveys.
 
Plan Reading & Preparation - Have knowledge and understanding of plan reading and preparation (i.e. site plans, boundary plans, highway plans, profiles and cross sections, horizontal and vertical curves, pipeline plans, foundation plans, and developing exiting and finished contours).
 
First Aid & Safety - Basic Knowledge of treatment practices for a variety of medical emergencies. Have a general knowledge of traffic control and safety procedures for surveying and construction operations including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
 
Principles of the Profession - Have knowledge of ethics and the carious technical standards of groups such as ALTA, NGS, NSPS, ACSM, BLM, and ASCS. Show responsibility in the profession (i.e. attire, honesty, respect for property)
 
Office Operations - use hand calculations or micro-computer software, be able to enter field data and produce positional information (i.e. leveling, traversing, as-built surveys, topographic mapping).
 
Supervisory Skills - Have a basic knowledge and familiarity with client contacts, dealing with the public, field crew management, scheduling, equipment and supplies management. Have knowledge of general company policies as they relate to field and office operations, office workflow procedures, and field and office problem solving. Have knowledge of proper record keeping and time keeping. Be able to coordinate and supervise field work, staking and stake marking for a variety of standard types of surveys. Have a general familiarity with regulations as they relate to lot site development.
 
Job Type: Full-Time
 
Compensation: Based on work experience