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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Lansdale, PA

$80K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a dedicated Land Survey Instrument Operator in Lansdale, PA, to join our client's team and deliver exceptional surveying services to internal and external clients. Position: Land ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator - Renewables

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Land Survey Instrument Operator Location: Minneapolis, MN area (with travel requirements) Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 Travel Schedule: 3-4 weeks on-site / 1 week off Per Diem: $205/day (7 days/week ...

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

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

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

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

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

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

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Land Survey Instrument Operator information

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How much do land survey instrument operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for land survey instrument operator in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Land Survey Instrument Operator vs Land Survey Technician?

AspectLand Survey Instrument OperatorLand Survey Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training; certifications like LSIT can be beneficialUsually needs an associate degree or technical training; LSIT certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks outdoors on survey sites, operating surveying instrumentsWorks both indoors and outdoors, assisting with data collection and office calculations
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by survey firms, construction companies, engineering firmsEmployed similarly, often in surveying, civil engineering, or construction industries

While both roles involve working with surveying instruments, the Land Survey Instrument Operator primarily focuses on operating equipment in the field, whereas the Land Survey Technician often handles data processing and support tasks. Both roles are essential in the surveying process and share similar certifications and work environments.

Is land survey instrument operator a good career to get into?

Land survey instrument operators play a key role in measuring and mapping land using tools like total stations and GPS equipment. The career offers steady employment opportunities, especially with experience and certifications, and often involves outdoor work with regular hours. It can be a good choice for those interested in technical skills and working in construction, engineering, or land development fields.

What is a land survey instrument operator?

Land Survey Instrument Operators are professionals who assist land surveyors by setting up, operating, and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS units, and levels. They work on construction sites, in the field, or in offices to help collect data that determines property boundaries, topography, and other land features. Their work is essential for construction, engineering, and land development projects, as they ensure accurate measurements and data collection. Instrument Operators often work under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor and play a crucial role in the survey team.

What does a land survey instrument operator do?

A land survey instrument operator uses specialized tools such as total stations, GPS units, and levels to measure and record land features and boundaries. They set up and operate surveying equipment, collect data, and ensure measurements are accurate for mapping and construction projects. This role often requires knowledge of surveying techniques, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a land survey instrument operator?

To excel as a Land Survey Instrument Operator, you need a solid understanding of surveying principles, mathematics, and experience with land measurement, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in surveying or a related field. Familiarity with surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and data collectors, along with knowledge of CAD software, is highly valuable. Strong attention to detail, teamwork skills, and the ability to communicate effectively are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, efficient collaboration on field teams, and reliable results for construction or land development projects.

What are common challenges faced by land survey instrument operators, and how can they be managed?

Land Survey Instrument Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and sometimes in remote or uneven terrain, which can present physical and logistical challenges. Managing equipment accuracy and handling technical issues on-site are crucial, as errors can impact project outcomes. Effective communication with surveyors, engineers, and construction teams is essential to ensure data is correctly recorded and understood. Staying organized, maintaining equipment, and following safety protocols help operators overcome these challenges and contribute to efficient project delivery.
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Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,383 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

Brudis & Associates, Inc.

Columbia, MD • On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Survey Instrument Operator
BRUDIS & ASSOCIATES, INC. (BAI) is a multidiscipline engineering firm providing consulting services to public and private sector clients in the Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia region. Since 1992, BAI has provided comprehensive, innovative and effective solutions to our clients' transportation and infrastructure needs.
BAI is actively seeking qualified candidates for a Survey Instrument Operator to join our Land Surveying Department in our Columbia, Maryland office.
Job Summary:
The Survey Instrument Operator will work under the direction of the Director of Land Surveying and Survey Party Chief. The individual shall demonstrate an ability to collaboratively work with the Land Survey Department on a wide-range of small or large scale multi-discipline projects for state, county, or local jurisdictions. The job requires analytical thinking, adaptive and independent problem solving, creativity, context interpretation, innovation, and ability to utilize survey technology, knowledge, and theory to complete task assignments. Employee shall be dependable, punctual, open-minded, focused, and attentive to details including: project schedules, budgets, safety, and survey quality.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; Assisting the Survey Party Chief with the care of all survey equipment including a survey vehicle as well as assisting with the execution of safe field operations, performance of ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, boundary surveys, construction stakeout, topographic and hydrographic/bathymetric surveys, control surveys, and many more. Will be responsible for Leading the Survey Party on simpler tasks in the field in the absence of the Survey Party Chief. The typical workday schedule will be from 6:30 am until 3:30 pm but may change due to weather and other factors. Schedule will be at the discretion of the Director of Land Surveying / Field Coordinator and based on the needs of each project.
Knowledge, Skills and Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED, or proven work experience that shows maturity and dependability.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Land Surveying as an Instrument Operator, four (4) years is preferred. Applicants with relevant experience could also be considered at the discretion of the Director of Land Surveying. The nature of the applicants' progressive experience will be considered in those cases on an individual basis.
  • Ability to work independently and support the Survey Party Chief with minimal direction.
  • Ability to perform survey work according to directions provided by the Director of Land Surveying and the Survey Party Chief.
  • Ability to produce legible and comprehensive survey field notes and sketches.
  • An understanding of mathematics including Geometry and Trigonometry.
  • Ability to be flexible and support changes in work hours or be available for out-of-town work as may be necessary based on the needs of a project.
  • Proficiency with RTK GNSS and Robotic Total Stations as well as data collectors. Trimble is preferred but not required.
  • Familiarity with scanning/lidar technologies is preferred.
  • Ability work and communicate in environments with excessive noise and distractions.
  • Commendable work ethic and commitment to deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and self-motivation
  • Possess a valid driver's license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  • The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. This role requires standing and walking for prolonged periods outdoors on varied terrain, including hills, slopes, streams, swamps, paved and unpaved surfaces.
  • Work may occur on land or water, including boats or rafts. Familiarity with boats and experience on the water is preferred.
  • The role requires the ability to use hands and arms to handle equipment, operate computer devices, bend, reach, crouch, and safely climb ladders or scaffolding.
  • The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds for distances of up to 500 feet in varied environments.
  • The position involves working outdoors in all types of weather and may involve exposure to loud noise levels.

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $21.00 - $30.00 per hour
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits:
This position has excellent potential for career advancement. We proudly offer an attractive salary package commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, tuition reimbursement, company health, dental, vision, life and disability insurances as well as a 401k plan with company matching.

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