ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrument Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Staunton, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Actalent

Survey Instrument Operator

Virginia Beach, VA

$36K - $41K/yr

Survey Instrument Operator The Survey Instrument Operator will perform a variety of surveying tasks and support the Survey Party Chief in conducting land surveys of roads, bridges, and building sites.

Actalent

Survey Instrument Operator

Chantilly, VA

$37K - $58K/yr

Survey Instrument Operator The Survey Instrument Operator performs a wide range of field surveying assignments and supports the Survey Party Chief in conducting land surveys for roads, bridges, and ...

Actalent

Survey Instrument Operator

Glen Allen, VA

$36K - $41K/yr

Survey Instrument Operator The Survey Instrument Operator will conduct a variety of surveying assignments and assist the Survey Party Chief in performing land surveys of roads, bridges, and building ...

Dewberry

Survey Instrument Operator

Glen Allen, VA

$51K - $66K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying ...

Dewberry

Survey Instrument Operator

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$51K - $66K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying ...

Actalent

Survey Instrument Person

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$39K - $41K/yr

Survey Instrument Person (Rodman)-Virginia Beach 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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsInstrument JobsInstrument Jobs in Virginia

Instrument information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument in Virginia is $29.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $35.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument technician?

Instrument technicians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing instruments and control systems used in industrial and manufacturing settings. These instruments may include sensors, gauges, control devices, and monitoring equipment that help ensure processes run safely and efficiently. Instrument technicians often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their tasks are crucial for maintaining product quality, safety standards, and operational efficiency.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like ISA CAP can be important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the precise operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex control and instrumentation systems in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by instrument technicians in industrial settings?

Instrument Technicians often work in environments where precision and safety are paramount, such as manufacturing plants or refineries. A common challenge is troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems under tight time constraints, especially during equipment malfunctions or plant shutdowns. Technicians must stay updated with rapidly evolving technology and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication with engineers, operators, and other team members is essential to ensure seamless operations and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Instrument vs Technician?

AspectInstrumentTechnician
Required CredentialsCertification in instrument calibration or maintenanceTechnical diploma or associate degree in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, field sitesManufacturing facilities, maintenance departments
Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsCommonly employed in maintenance and repair roles within similar industries
Job FocusCalibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentsInstalling, repairing, and servicing equipment and instruments

In summary, an Instrument primarily focuses on calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of measurement devices, often requiring specialized certifications. A Technician, on the other hand, handles installation, repair, and maintenance of a broader range of equipment, including instruments, usually with a technical diploma. Both roles are vital in industrial settings but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

Is instrumentation a good career?

Instrumentation is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing control systems and equipment used in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of tools like sensors and controllers. The field offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What is a career that uses instruments?

A career that uses instruments includes roles such as instrument technicians, repair specialists, and calibration engineers, who work with various measurement and testing devices across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. These professionals often require technical skills, knowledge of specific instruments, and safety training to ensure proper operation and maintenance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in Virginia are:

Instrument jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument job openings in Virginia 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 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,205 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA

$21 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collect data for boundaries, location, topographical, and design surveys.

  • Operate robotic total station, level, GPS receivers, and data collectors during field surveys.

  • Set points on construction stakeout projects and conduct daily maintenance of survey instruments.

Timmons Group rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 452 rated engineering

Job description

Job Description

Timmons Group is currently seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our Survey Group located in our Richmond, VA office location. The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Collects data for boundaries, location, topographical, and design surveys
  • Operates robotic total station, level, GPS Receivers and data collectors in performance of field surveys
  • Sets points on construction stakeout projects (curb and gutter, drop inlets, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, bridges, etc.)
  • Conducts daily maintenance and up-keep of instruments
  • Makes sketches and records measurements to indicate exact location of horizontal and vertical control points
  • Assists in the maintenance of survey equipment, supplies, and vehicle
  • Travel may be required at times
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Skills/Requirements of a successful candidate include but are not limited to:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to read survey and engineering drawings
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as trigonometry and geometry
  • Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to apply professional knowledge to the solution of both routine and non-routine tasks and surveying activities
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of team with excellent time management skills to ensure deadlines are met
  • Have a current state driver's license and able to drive a vehicle
  • Physical demands include: Must be able to carry up to 50 lb. of equipment over all types of terrain.

All-weather year-round outdoor work environment, with seasonal extreme heat index and wind-chill factors

Other physical attributes of the job, such as hiking, climbing, vegetation management (chopping, cutting, hammering, sawing, etc.)

Compensation: Our best estimate of the salary range for this position is $21/hr.-$29/hr. This position is eligible for overtime. Offers are based on a range of job-related factors such as internal equity, experience, skills, education, credentials and role complexity. Information on our comprehensive benefits package be found here.

Additional Information

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are looking for high energy, creative, flexible, patient, self-starters who are willing to work at a dynamic pace. Candidates must share a commitment to our company's Vision, Mission and Shared Values.

Timmons Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Timmons Group is a full-service engineering and technology firm recognized nationally as a "Best Firm to Work For" by CE News. With 21 offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, we provide civil engineering, environmental, economic development, GIS/geospatial technology, landscape architecture, and surveying services to a diverse client base. As one of Engineering News Record's (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms for over 30 years, we are dedicated to being an employer of choice and providing our people with the best resources, technology, and culture to help them thrive in an engaging career development setting. For more information, visit www.timmons.com. 

#LI-MI1

What Timmons Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply