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Instrument Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Person

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Overview TRC is seeking an Instrument Person for the Houston, Texas office. Responsibilities The qualified Survey Instrument person is utilized to operate and maintain the survey instrumentation for ...

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 ...

Instrument Person

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The Instrument Person reports to the Party Chief and is responsible for assisting with field surveying activities, including maintenance of survey equipment. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a ...

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 ...

Instrument Person

Hicksville, NY · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Instrument Person to join our land surveying team. This role supports field operations for topographic, construction, and as-built mapping projects. You ...

A minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument person duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Instrument Person Job Locations US-MD-Fulton | US-MD-Sparks | US-DE-Newark ID 2026-7481 Category Surveying Type Full-Time Regular - 40 hours Posted Date 4 months ago(1/29/2026 5:00 PM) Max USD $25.58 ...

A minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument person duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

A minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument person duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

A minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument person duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

A minimum of 5 years survey experience preferred with the last 3 performing the instrument person duties. Must be 18 years of age. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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Instrument Person information

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How much do instrument person jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument person in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Person, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, mathematics, and the ability to accurately operate and maintain surveying instruments, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with equipment such as total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors, as well as proficiency in related software like AutoCAD or Trimble Business Center, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team and outdoors are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate data collection and successful project completion in various surveying and construction environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Instrument Person on a survey crew?

As an Instrument Person, your daily responsibilities include setting up, operating, and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. You’ll work closely with the Party Chief and other crew members to collect accurate field data, mark survey points, and record measurements. This role often involves outdoor work in various weather conditions and requires attention to detail to ensure data quality. Collaboration and clear communication with your team are essential, as you may need to troubleshoot equipment and assist with data transfer to office staff.

What is an Instrument Person?

An Instrument Person, often called an Instrument Technician or Survey Instrument Operator, is a professional who works primarily in land surveying. They are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS receivers, levels, and data collectors. Their work supports surveyors and engineers by collecting accurate measurements and data for construction, mapping, or land development projects. Instrument Persons ensure that all equipment is calibrated correctly and that data is recorded precisely, often working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Instrument Person vs Surveyor?

AspectInstrument PersonSurveyor
CredentialsTypically requires basic surveying or construction certificationsRequires more advanced surveying licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with surveying instruments on construction sitesPerforms land measurements, boundary determinations, and mapping
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projectsUsed across land development, engineering, and mapping projects

The main difference between an Instrument Person and a Surveyor lies in their scope of work and certification levels. An Instrument Person typically assists with setting up and operating surveying instruments on construction sites, often requiring basic certifications. In contrast, a Surveyor has a broader role involving land measurement, boundary determination, and often holds advanced licenses. Both roles are essential in construction and land development, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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What cities are hiring for Instrument Person jobs? Cities with the most Instrument Person job openings:
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Infographic showing various Instrument Person job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 12% Full Time, and 85% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,042 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Survey Instrument Person

Survey Instrument Person

Hubbard Construction Company

Orlando, FL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

100+ Years of Experience at Work for You!

Since 1920, the professional men and women of Hubbard Construction have literally paved the way for hundreds of public and private projects that have supported Florida's rise to prominence.

Hubbard is one of Florida's largest heavy civil construction companies. We are proud to be a part of Florida's history and we are eager to continue to serve the Florida market and beyond.

The scope of Hubbard's work includes complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying, RAP and hot mix sales, and state-of-the-art bridge building. We provide multiple delivery systems in design-build, bid-build, public/private-partnerships and design-build finance. 

Hubbard Construction's parent company, Eurovia, operates through a network of 330 agencies and 770 production sites, in 17 countries around the world.

General Description. A Survey Instrument Person is an hourly-rated skilled craft position that performs on construction projects any combination of the duties described more fully, below. A Survey Instrument Person typically performs a wide variety of tasks, transferring from one task to another as the work flow dictates.

Key Duties

  • Use survey instruments
  • Total stations
  • Data collectors
  • Automatic level
  • Highway construction layout
  • Ability to work on above ground super structures such as bridges
  • Operate GPS equipment
  • Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts

General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job.

  • Requires demonstrable previous experience as a Survey Instrument Person.
  • A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
  • Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.
  • Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of Construction layout related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.

Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Survey Instrument Person to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
  • Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50-90 pounds personally, and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
  • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
  • Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
  • Capable of being certified to enter confined spaces, including climbing into and out of excavations up to 15 feet in depth, using ladders or crawling, as required.
  • Ability to maintain balance while working on water craft or other surfaces.
  • The survey instrument crew member must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.
  • The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (e.g., moving equipment, backing alarms, or other alarms, instructions/directions from supervisor and/or spotter).

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Survey Instrument Person encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a construction project.
  • Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
  • Employee regularly works in close proximity to high volumes of fast moving traffic.
  • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, curing compounds, gasoline, diesel fuel and ready mixed concrete.

Company Benefits.

  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Policy
  • Company Paid Vacation & Holiday Pay
  • Company Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Maternity Leave
  • Company Paid Employee/Family Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Term Life
  • Voluntary Accident, Legal, Hospital, Critical Illness Policies
  • 401(k) Plan w/Employer Match
  • Annual Company Stock Purchase Opportunities
  • Discount Partnerships: Verizon, Ford, Perkspot
  • Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives

 

We are an equal 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 veteran status.  We promote a Drug-Free Workplace.