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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Minnesota

SRF Consulting Group

Survey Crew Chief

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a full-time Survey Crew Chief to join our growing Land Surveying Services Group in ... Experience operating Trimble GPS and Robotics equipment. * Ability to work effectively in a team ...

SRF Consulting

Survey Crew Chief

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a full-time Survey Crew Chief to join our growing Land Surveying Services Group in ... Experience operating Trimble GPS and Robotics equipment. * Ability to work effectively in a team ...

Bolton & Menk, Inc

Survey Manager (PLS)

Anoka, MN · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

... Land Surveyor license or ability to attain within 6 months with license from another state. * Minimum of 5 years of survey experience. * Good management and leadership skills (i.e. operating with a ...

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Survey Manager (PLS)

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

... Land Surveyor license or ability to attain within 6 months with license from another state. * Minimum of 5 years of survey experience. * Good management and leadership skills (i.e. operating with a ...

SRF Consulting

Survey Field Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We are seeking a full-time Survey Field Technician to join our growing Land Surveying Services ... Experience operating Trimble GPS and Robotics equipment. * Ability to work effectively in a team ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Land Records Technician

Rochester, MN · On-site

$27.14 - $45.35/hr

Interprets, explains, and answers questions about polices, regulations, and operating procedures ... Knowledge of surveying principles and methodology. * Skill in the use of business math and geometry.

New

Minnesota Jobs

Land Records Technician

Rochester, MN · On-site

$27.14 - $45.35/hr

Interprets, explains, and answers questions about policies, regulations, and operating procedures ... Knowledge of surveying principles and methodology. * Skill in the use of business math and geometry.

New

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All JobsLand Survey Instrument Operator JobsLand Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Land Survey Instrument Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for land survey instrument operator in Minnesota is $21.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $23.08 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.
What are popular job titles related to Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,449 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Survey Field Technician - Crew Chief

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Mankato, MN • On-site

$43K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Bolton & Menk rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 441 rated engineering

Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Survey Field Technician - Crew Chief, to join our in our Mankato office. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.
This position will be located out of our Mankato office and will be approximately 90% field surveying and 10% office duties. This is a full-time position with benefits; subject to seasonal layoff.
What You Will Be Doing:
  • Operate robotic total stations, GPS equipment and data collectors
  • Perform field work for land surveying scopes of work including construction staking, boundary location, ALTA/ASCM, topography surveys and performing routine survey/engineering computations for various project types
    • Include shoveling, lifting heavy objects, operating motor vehicles and small power equipment
  • Transfer files between data collectors and internal company project folders
  • Preparing construction documents and recording data in field books
  • Maintain productive working relationships with all clients and coworkers

What We Are Looking For:
  • Diploma or Associates Degree in Land Surveying Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field from an accredited post-secondary institution OR equivalent training or experience.
  • 3+ years of field experience in data collection and construction staking with knowledge of legal descriptions preferred
  • NSPE Certified Survey Technical Level III or LSIT Certification preferred
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable at the Firm's standard rates. A motor vehicle record (MVR) check is a standard condition of employment.
  • Physically mobile in and around construction sites and field assignments
    • Ability to carry survey equipment and supplies in remote, rural, or urban surroundings
    • Ability to lift 50 pounds and walk long distances

Salary Range: $43,000 - $79,000 depending on years of experience and credentials
Bolton & Menk is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to specific geographic location. Bolton & Menk reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
Supporting Our Employees
There's life at work and life outside of work. Bolton & Menk has a number of benefit programs and amenities to support you and your family throughout whatever stage of life you are in.
Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation plan - overtime compensation available to most employees
  • Discretionary bonuses available to most employees
  • ESOP - Employee ownership (ESOP); 100% company-paid contributions
  • 401(k) Match Program
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
  • Six paid company holidays
  • Two floating personal holidays for events that are important in your life
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Short term and Long-term disability
  • Dependent care reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance

WHY BOLTON & MENK?Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/
OUR BENEFITSAt Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.
It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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