1

Instrument Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Instrument Person

Fulton, MD · On-site

$18.90 - $25.58/hr

Provides instrument work with plumb bob or with prism rod; clears brush and small limbs as necessary to obtain line of sight readings. * Unloads and deploys equipment and materials, including set up ...

Instrument Person

Fulton, MD · On-site

$25.58/hr

Provides instrument work with plumb bob or with prism rod; clears brush and small limbs as necessary to obtain line of sight readings. * Unloads and deploys equipment and materials, including set up ...

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an Instrument Person in Houston, TX. Responsibilitites to include: Measuring distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the ...

Provides instrument work with plumb bob or with prism rod; clears brush and small limbs as necessary to obtain line of sight readings. * Unloads and deploys equipment and materials, including set up ...

Provides instrument work with plumb bob or with prism rod; clears brush and small limbs as necessary to obtain line of sight readings. * Unloads and deploys equipment and materials, including set up ...

Provides instrument work with plumb bob or with prism rod; clears brush and small limbs as necessary to obtain line of sight readings. * Unloads and deploys equipment and materials, including set up ...

Instrument Person

Houston, TX · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Overview The qualified Survey Instrument person is utilized to operate and maintain the survey instrumentation for low-tech activities such as profile surveys, line locations, Pipeline Re-Stake, Line ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Instrument Person information

See salary details

$14

$24

$32

How much do instrument person jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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 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.

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 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 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.
More about Instrument Person jobs
What cities are hiring for Instrument Person jobs? Cities with the most Instrument Person job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Instrument Person jobs? The top employers for Instrument Person jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Person jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Person jobs are:
Instrument Person

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Survey Instrument Person (IP)

SUMMARY: The Survey Instrument Person will carry out a range of surveying assignments and assist the Survey Party Chief as directed to conduct land surveys of roads, bridges, and buildings sites. The IP establishes and re-establishes lines for construction stakeout surveys and easement and property lines; recovers property corners and sets traverse control points for boundary surveys; sets and marks stakes for construction stakeout projects. The IP directs the survey party during the absence of the party chief and when acting for the Survey Party Chief. Responsibilities also include setting-up and operating survey equipment, including data collector, level, and GPS as well as performing all aspects of stakeout and location surveys using applicable survey equipment.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: (Work assignments may vary depending on the office's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

  • Field duties include loading, maintaining, and operating the following equipment oTotal Station
  • Data collector oLevel
  • Magnetic Locator oHand Held Radios
  • Responsible for charging all batteries daily on Data Collectors and Hand Held Radios, developing a routine for replacing batteries on locator and data collectors to ensure proper operation
  • Responsible for proper cleaning of Data Collectors once a week or as required per job site conditions. Instruments are never stored wet or transported on tripod. The case is always closed during operation.
  • Responsible for downloading data collector files each afternoon and complete report in the downloaded job files book. Must take care to reattach cord to DC after downloading
  • Maintains field supply inventory (stake, pin, nail, and flagging, etc.) and reports inventory to supervisor on a continuous basis to prevent stock from being unavailable
  • Keeps vehicle clean, free from trash, and fueled at Party Chief’s request.
  • Other field duties may include, but are not limited to oChaining,
  • Hub driving, oSetting up prisms,
  • Giving sights, oCarrying tools and supplies,
  • Opening manholes and other inlet structures, oDigging,
  • Cutting brush
  • KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:Knowledge of or Ability to Learn:
  • Basic math competency, have knowledge or able to learn survey computer programs, and survey computations applicable to the work
  • Basic nomenclature and symbols of drafting, the surveying instruments and equipment and their use and care as well as the principles and practices of land surveying.
  • State law regarding the establishment of property lines, and survey monuments
  • Relevant jobsite and traffic control safety rules and regulations;
  • PMI Rules and Personnel Policies/Procedures.
  • PMI DrugFree Workplace Policy
  • PMI Safety Policies and Procedures
  • Skills:
  • Use of basic calculator and the ability to make arithmetic computations accurately and record results legibly.
  • Ability to properly use and correctly adjust survey equipment;
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data;
  • Ability to understand and interpret legal descriptions, engineering plans, maps, and field data;
  • Ability to apply basic surveying principles to the solution of problems.
  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; as a team member
  • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • No experience needed but two years of experience as a Rod Person preferred
  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: PMI has offices in different geographical locations. We workshare which may mean temporary assignments to other offices’ projects that, in turn, may require travel. While we make every attempt to balance individuals’ personal schedules, this travel may be unexpected and require weekend stays. This position requires up to 20% travel time outside of area and overnight. The travel may be for work-related duties or training.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Licenses and Certificates: All positions require a valid Driver license at the time of application or prior to completion of initial/promotional probation. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.
  • DBIDS or Rapid Gate Pass: All positions require access to federally owned bases and the ability to obtain a DBIDS or Rapid Gate Pass for entrance. This pass requires a background check. The Fail Criteria for background screening can be found at: http://www.rapidgate.com/faqs/whatfailcriteriabackgroundscreeningconductedunderrapidgateprogram. or https://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/hq/images/DBIDS/SECNAV%20Form%2055121.pdf
  • Drug Testing: All positions may require drug testing for contract compliance. These requirements can be found in the Drug Free Workplace policy. Failure to pass a drug test shall be grounds for termination upon a second failure.
  • Physical/Sensory Requirements: oAll positions frequently stand, walk, use hands to finger, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, regularly climbs or balances; and occasionally sits. Also positions talk, hear, taste, and smell.
  • All positions require the ability to work outdoors in extremes of heat, cold and inclement weather, with exposure to dust, dirt, wind, construction activities and materials, and to traverse rough terrain on foot. oAll positions may encounter harmful/poisonous wildlife and plant materials.
  • All positions lift 25 pounds frequently and regularly lifts up to 50 pounds.
  • Education Requirements: oHigh School Diploma or GED
  • Age Requirements: 18 years of age
  • Equipment:
  • Steel toe boots
  • EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
  • Nonexempt, hourly position
  • Reports to Field Coordinator