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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Massachusetts

INSTRUMENT PERSON II

Boston, MA · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

As an Instrument Operator (II), you will be an integral part of Bryant Associates Land Survey Department in our Boston, MA office, where we provide our clients with a full range of surveying and ...

Land Survey Crew Chief

Andover, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Title: Land Survey Crew Chief Location: Andover, MA 01810 Job Type: Full-Time Workplace Type ... Lead and supervise field survey personnel and instrument operators. * Assign daily work activities ...

Crew Chief I

Boston, MA · On-site

$48 - $54/hr

SUMMARY: As a Crew Chief I, you will be an integral part of Bryant Associates Land Survey ... Knowledge in use of AutoCAD a plus SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES Will supervise Instrument Operator(s ...

Construction Robot operator

Boston, MA · On-site

$6.0K - $8.0K/mo

As a robot operator at LightYX, you will play a critical and versatile role. Your primary duties ... This role is particularly suited for individuals with a construction or land surveying background ...

Construction Robot operator

Boston, MA · On-site

$6.0K - $8.0K/mo

As a robot operator at LightYX, you will play a critical and versatile role. Your primary duties ... This role is particularly suited for individuals with a construction or land surveying background ...

SUE Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

... surveying, permitting, land acquisition, asset management, SUE, construction management, and more ... Extensive experience operating and maintaining a vacuum excavation truck. * Able to work flexible ...

SUE Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

... surveying, permitting, land acquisition, asset management, SUE, construction management, and more ... Extensive experience operating and maintaining a vacuum excavation truck. * Able to work flexible ...

SUE Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$110.40 - $162.61/hr

... surveying, permitting, land acquisition, asset management, SUE, construction management, and more ... Extensive experience operating and maintaining a vacuum excavation truck. * Able to work flexible ...

... Deeds and Land Court. Supervision: Scope and Judgment: Performs professional office and ... designee, operating with minimal supervision. Operates in accordance with applicable state and ...

... survey, environmental, and zoning due diligence reviews to mitigate underwriting risks. * Land Use ... Draft corporate resolutions, operating agreements, and joint venture frameworks tailored for ...

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Land Survey Instrument Operator information

See Massachusetts salary details

$16

$23

$34

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for land survey instrument operator in Massachusetts is $23.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Massachusetts?

For Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,564 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

DGT Associates Inc

Worcester, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description:

A person that has the ability to work outside in a field and or construction environment and operate Survey Equipment such as Total Stations, Levels, field computers and survey data collectors, understand measurements, Survey Rods and poles, GPS equipment.  Must has some math and computer abilities and any technical schooling in Civil or Survey or similar abilities. Must be able to learn and understand how to complete basic survey tasks.  Must be able to communicate with other field team members and have the ability to read or take field notes or draw sketches when needed.  Must have an OSHA 10 construction training or be able to complete a safety training course in a timely manner.  

Requirements:

 Must have a Minimum of a High School diploma, but some college classes or a technical school is preferred.  Must have a valid driver's license.  Have the ability to carry equipment, climb ladders or stairs, work in all different terrain conditions.  Have the ability to operate and maintain survey equipment.  Carry out duties as directed by the Crew Chief.  Must have the ability to set survey points and set up tripods with tribrachs and prisims over survey points. Must be able to accurately measure distances with tapes and rulers.  Follow instructions from Supervisors, work safely in outdoor environment.  Know or learn how to keep digital field notes and or hardcopy notes, take pictures, know and or learn survey field-to-finish survey coding for linework.  Knowledge of Leica  instruments and Carlson data collector software a plus.