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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Operator

Tulsa, OK ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work primarily in support of local projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Lanham, MD ยท On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Land Survey Instrument Operator to work in our Lanham, Maryland office location . Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail-oriented ...

Instrument Operator

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work remotely, primarily supporting projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

Instrument Operator

Sartell, MN ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We're looking for a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work primarily to support local projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

Instrument Operator

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We're looking for a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work primarily to support local projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work primarily in support of local projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Lanham, MD ยท On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Land Survey Instrument Operator to work in our Lanham, Maryland office location Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail-oriented ...

Instrument Operator

Overland Park, KS ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work remotely, primarily supporting projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

Instrument Operator

Sartell, MN ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We're looking for a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work primarily to support local projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work remotely, primarily supporting projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Land Survey Assistant/Instrument Operator to work remotely, primarily supporting projects in your area. This contract-to-hire position offers significant ...

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 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 ...

Baker Smith, LLC is seeking a Land Survey Instrument Operator to who specialize in field operations. This position will be primarily responsible for assisting the party chief in operation of field ...

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

As of Jun 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Land Survey Instrument Operator, and why are they important?

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 some common challenges faced by Land Survey Instrument Operators in the field, 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.

What are Land Survey Instrument Operators?

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 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.

More about Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs? Cities with the most Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings:
What states have the most Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,383 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Dewberry Engineers Incorporated

Frederick, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Land Survey Instrument Operator Job ID 14695 # of Openings 1 Job Location US-MD-Baltimore | US-MD-Lanham | US-MD-Frederick Category Surveying Relocation Assistance No Service Line IES Job Description

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 in our Maryland office as an Instrument Operator. Applicant must be able to work in a team environment as a key member of a survey crew assisting in the performance of boundary, ALTA, topographic, right-of way acquisition, transmission line, transportation, and construction surveys utilizing the latest equipment and surveying technology with the ability to supervise the crew or work independently if necessary.

This opportunity is open in any of our Maryland offices (Lanham, Baltimore, and Frederick) with the expectation of some travel to the other Dewberry offices.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.

Dewberry offers a comprehensive and very competitive package of insurance programs to regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents the first of the month following their date of hire. The insurance package includes: medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life. Additional insurances, at no cost to the employee: life (employee only), accidental death and dismemberment, business travel and accident, and short- and long-term disability are also provided. Employees pay a share of Dewberry's premium expenses (on a pre-tax basis) for medical and dental insurance plans.

Dewberry offers a wide range of other employee benefits, including: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, 529 College Savings Plans, Travel Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Spending Accounts and Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children.

Positions within our officer program are also eligible for an annual bonus and stipend. Both vary based on level within the program and bonuses are dependent upon company performance.

In addition, a host of discounted purchase programs are available to all employees.

Responsibilities
    Assist the field supervisor with all aspects of the daily crew workload.
  • Work in a safe manner and obey all safety regulations.
  • Daily uploading and downloading of data collectors.
  • Daily care and charging of instrumentation.
  • Continually advance knowledge with upgrades in technology.
Required Skills & Required Experience
  • Minimum of one year of survey experience required.
  • Must have a High School Diploma (Minimum).
  • Must have good Mathematical skills.
  • Must have good computer and data collector skills.
  • Must be proficient with the use of Trimble survey equipment. (GPS, Robotics, Total Stations, Levels, and Data Collectors).
  • Must be proficient with Trimble Survey Controller data collection software.
  • Knowledge of 3-D Scanners a plus.
  • Must have good communication skills.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and ability to pass a driving record check.
  • Must pass a drug test.
  • Must be dependable.
  • Must be physically able to work outdoors and on construction sites under all weather conditions and terrain.
  • Ability to stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat and lift 50 lbs; includes body weight, equipment, tools and boxes, in addition the ability to stand for long periods on varied surfaces.
  • Must be able to work overtime as required.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.

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Salary Range

The projected range for this position is $42,000-$54,000 annually in our Baltimore, MD office. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

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