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Instrument Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Survey Instrument Operator (Richmond, VA)

Henrico, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams (KBJW) is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our dynamic growing team in our Richmond, VA office. Named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch ...

Survey Instrument Operator (Richmond, VA)

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams (KBJW) is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our dynamic growing team in our Richmond, VA office. Named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch ...

Survey Instrument Operator (Richmond, VA)

Henrico, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams (KBJW) is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our dynamic growing team in our Richmond, VA office.Named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch ...

Instrument Maintenance Technic

West Point, VA · On-site

$33.79 - $45.86/hr

General Information Job ID ATR61847 Posting Job Title Instrument Tech Locations VA West Point Mill Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 10-Aug-2026 Relocation Support No Description & Requirements ...

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

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 ...

Survey Instrument Operator

Danville, VA · On-site

$51K - $66K/yr

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

Showing results 41-60

Instrument information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Instrument jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Instrument job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,205 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator (Richmond, VA)

KBJW

Henrico, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams (KBJW) is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our dynamic growing team in our Richmond, VA office.

Named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, KBJW is a fun, family-oriented business, dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. For more than 30 years, we have served as a leading engineering firm in the Mid-Atlantic Region. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling career at KBJW.

KBJW offers interesting projects, a friendly atmosphere, professional development, and a competitive benefits package. We look for employees who are willing to work hard, solve problems and help us grow.

Position Summary:

The Survey Instrument Operator's primary function is to assist in the collection of field survey data, operation and maintenance of the survey equipment. You will work with the Party Chief to execute the survey work and your crew is responsible for meeting schedules as assigned by your supervisor.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Operate field equipment including, level, GPS, and total station, data collectors.
  • Take field notes of readings and observations and draw sketches.
  • Maintain vehicle and field equipment.
  • Perform field and office calculations and know principles of staking and marking.
  • Perform other related field and office duties as assigned.
  • Operate, clean, adjust, and maintain survey instruments and equipment; make field notes, sketches, and calculations manually and/or using electronic equipment; drive on paved and unpaved surfaces.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

  • Valid driver's license required.
  • 1+ years of experience
  • Knowledge of mathematics through algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • General knowledge of surveying equipment, practices, and principles.
  • Basic knowledge of survey theory, including slope reduction and differential leveling.
  • Great attitude and a desire to grow professionally.

Physical Requirements:

  • Work may routinely (and sometimes extensively) require the employee to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
  • The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry field equipment up to 50 pounds.
  • The employee must be able to reach with hands and/or arms, and frequently required to hold, handle, or feel a variety of items.
  • The employee must be able to work in all types of weather conditions and difficult terrain.
  • The employee must be able to see and focus, including with close, distance, and peripheral vision, as well as depth vision.
  • The employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
  • The employee may be required to drive hundreds of miles per day.
  • The employee may be exposed to loud or noisy environments.

Why KBJW?

KBJW employees receive competitive compensation as well as the following benefits:

  • Comprehensive group medical insurance including health, dental, vision and life.
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • 401K retirement
  • Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible work hours
  • Profit-sharing and bonuses

KBJW 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.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities as defined by the ADA.