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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

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

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

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

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Tulsa, OK

$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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Charlotte, NC · 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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Bucyrus, KS · 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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Charlotte, NC

$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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Overland Park, KS

$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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Lansdale, PA · 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 ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Sartell, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/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 ...

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

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 ...

T Baker Smith

Survey Instrument Operator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

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 ...

T Baker Smith

Survey Instrument Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

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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Land Survey Instrument Operator information

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

As of Jun 25, 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.

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 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.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,383 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Instrument Operator/ Survey Assistant

Tesoro Group

Minnetonka, MN

$80K - $100K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Tesoro Technology has partnered with a prominent national survey and engineering firm specializing in renewable energy and land development. 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 growth opportunities within a dynamic and expanding company.

Salary: $80,000-100,000
Travel Requirement: 3-4 weeks minimum at a time/1 week off
Per Diem: $195 (covering 7 days per week if working 6 days)
Hours: Average of 75-85 hours per week due to travel

***Must have a Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving history***

Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated Land Survey Instrument Operator to join our client’s team and deliver exceptional surveying services to internal and external clients.

In this role, the Instrument Operator/ Survey Assistant will:

  • Assisting the Crew Chief in the operation of a field survey crew.
  • The primary objectives are quality (work accuracy, thoroughness, compliance with regulatory requirements, and public relations), safety, and Equipment maintenance.
  • Must operate Equipment, maintain a safe work environment, protect and maintain the Equipment and vehicles, accurately and efficiently collect field data, and locate features.
  • Record accurate and precise surveying notes.
  • Accurately record data points with data collector
  • Set wooden stakes and iron rods, cut and clear brush, trees, etc.
  • Adhere to the company’s Safety, Quality Management, and Equipment Maintenance policies
  • Physically mobile in and around construction sites and field assignments
  • Ability to carry survey eEquipmentand supplies in remote, rural, or urban surroundings
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and walk long distances

Preferred Experience

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Three (3) to four (4) years of progressive experience in land survey field operations, with proficiency in land survey Equipment (total stations) and GPS, is required.

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