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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Minnesota

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

They are responsible for performing the pre-construction prep work from blueprint planning to land ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Duluth, MN · On-site

They are responsible for performing the pre-construction prep work from blueprint planning to land ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Wright County

Highway Tech I

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$29.34 - $41.67/hr

Conducts field surveys by setting up and operating field survey equipment to locate and record ... Prepares estimates, drawings, charts, graphs, and visual aids; computes quantities; researches land ...

Wright County

Highway Tech II

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$30.81 - $43.75/hr

Conducts field surveys by setting up and operating field survey equipment to locate and record ... Prepares estimates, drawings, charts, graphs, and visual aids; computes quantities; researches land ...

Stantec

Reality Capture Specialist

Woodbury, MN · On-site

... and define land boundaries. We provide our clients a full range of Geomatics, surveying, and ... Your Opportunity The field-focused Reality Capture Specialist operating within Stantec's Geospatial ...

Stantec

Reality Capture Specialist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

... and define land boundaries. We provide our clients a full range of Geomatics, surveying, and ... Your Opportunity The field-focused Reality Capture Specialist operating within Stantec's Geospatial ...

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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

$21

$31

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

As of Aug 20, 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 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 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 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,449 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

ENGINEERING AIDE

U.S. Navy

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the Seabees, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Learn from the best as you report directly to Construction Engineers who will help you develop a sharp understanding of what it takes to plan and carry out on-site projects. Do your job right, and you’ll build structures that will last for years to come and a career that will take you wherever you want to go.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Aides directly assist Construction Engineers in developing final construction plans. They are responsible for performing the pre-construction prep work from blueprint planning to land surveying that helps ensure the success of the project. As an Engineering Aide, your work responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting location surveys for roads, airfields, pipelines, ditches, buildings, drainage structures and waterfront construction
  • Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps
  • Computing the volume of bulk materials (concrete, bituminous mixtures and earthwork) from drawings and specifications
  • Laying out all types of construction work
  • Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and equipment
  • Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings
  • Designing grading and drainage systems
  • Conducting concrete, soil and asphalt tests and quality control inspections
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints and preparing sketches for projects
  • Making estimates of material, labor and equipment requirements
  • Performing tasks required in combat and disaster preparedness or recovery operations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • As an Engineering Aide, you’ll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every environment imaginable. You may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe, and you may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Seabees primarily serve at shore-based commands—you will likely not spend time at sea.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Aides in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
  • For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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