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Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Virginia

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Land Survey Party Chief

Manassas Park, VA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Land Survey Crew Chief Manassas Park, VA * Fullโ€time * Onโ€site We're looking for a Land Survey ... Strong instrument + data collector skills * Valid Driver's license * Professional, reliable, safety ...

Urgent

Be Seen First

Land Survey Party Chief

Manassas Park, VA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Land Survey Crew Chief Manassas Park, VA * Fullโ€time * Onโ€site We're looking for a Land Survey ... Strong instrument + data collector skills * Valid Driver's license * Professional, reliable, safety ...

Urgent

Survey Crew Chief

Staunton, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $45/hr

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

Survey Crew Chief

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $45/hr

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

Survey Crew Chief

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $45/hr

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

Survey Crew Chief

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $45/hr

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

Survey Crew Chief

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $45/hr

The Party Chief is responsible for directing the daily activities of assigned Survey Instrument Operator to gather and complete assigned engineering and land surveys. Essential duties and ...

Junior Survey Party Chief

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice for Utility Engineering and Construction, is hiring an experienced Survey Instrument Operator for our Surveying & Engineering division in Stafford, VA, who ...

Survey Instrument Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$48K - $84K/yr

The ideal candidate has knowledge of the principles of land surveying, and basic principles of ... Valid motor vehicle operator's license. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this ...

Showing results 41-60

Land Survey Instrument Operator information

See Virginia 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 Virginia is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $23.37 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,994 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL RESOURCES

Williamsburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About This Role:

Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician – Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.

Responsibilities:

As a Survey Field Technician, you will:

·        Work in group environments

·        Work within defined project scopes and budgets

·        Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times

·        Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan

·        Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards

·        Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files

·        Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents

·        Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

·        Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities

·        Take field notes of readings and observations

·        Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment

·        Know and perform field principles of staking and marking

·        Perform other related field and office duties as assigned

·        Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew

·        Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight

·        Reads and understands plans and specifications

·        Know basic sources of measurement errors

·        Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments

·        Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances

·        Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects

·        Provide solutions to civil site design challenges

·        Topographical surveys

·        Boundary surveys

·        Well connect pipelines surveys

·        Pipeline route staking

·        Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area

Qualifications:

EDUCATION: A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.

EXPERIENCE: Land Surveying experience   

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
  • Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES:

·        Must be able and willing to travel daily.

·        Must have good written and verbal communication skills.

·        Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.

·        Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.

·        Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.

  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must have Reliable Transportation
  • Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

·        Valid driver’s license with insurable record

·        CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred

 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:

·        Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally

·        Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally

·        Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

·        Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain

·        Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time

·        Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed

·        Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus

·        Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations

·        Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally

·        Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs

·        Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan

About Us:

Cardinal Civil Resources (“CCR”) is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.