1

Land Survey Instrument Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department in the Richmond, VA area as a Land Survey Instrument Operator to ...

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department in the Richmond, VA area as a Land Survey Instrument Operator to ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

Showing results 41-60

Land Survey Instrument Operator information

See salary details

$14

$21

$31

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 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.

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.
More about Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs? Cities with the most Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings:
What states have the most Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Land Survey Instrument Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Land Survey Instrument Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,383 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

Dewberry

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$51K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department in the Richmond, VA area as a Land Survey Instrument Operator to serve our Mid-Atlantic territory. Applicant must be able to work in a team environment as a key member of a survey crew assisting in the performance of boundary, ALTA, topographic, right-of way acquisition, transmission line, transportation, and construction surveys utilizing the latest equipment and surveying technology with the ability to supervise the crew or work independently if necessary.

The position has opportunity for advancement for a motivated individual willing to grow with the changing skills and technology required of a Land Surveyor.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.


  • Assist the field supervisor with all aspects of the daily crew workload.
  • Work in a safe manner and obey all safety regulations.
  • Supervise the survey crew in the absence of the crew chief.
  • Work independently as a one person crew as required.
  • Daily uploading and downloading of data collectors.
  • Daily care and charging of instrumentation.
  • Continually advance knowledge with upgrades in technology.

  • Minimum of two years of survey experience required.
  • Must have a High School Diploma (Minimum).
  • Must have good Mathematical skills.
  • Must have good computer and data collector skills.
  • Must be proficient with the use of Topcon and Trimble survey equipment. (GPS, Robotics, Total Stations, Levels, and Data Collectors).
  • Must be proficient with Carlson SurvCE, and Trimble Survey Controller data collection software.
  • Must have good communication skills.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to pass a driving record check.
  • Must pass a drug test.
  • Must be dependable.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance is a plus.
  • Must be physically able to work outdoors and on construction sites under all weather conditions and terrain.
  • Ability to stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat and lift 50 lbs; includes body weight, equipment, tools and boxes, in addition the ability to stand for long periods on varied surfaces.
  • Must be able to work overtime as required.
  • Must be willing and able to travel for extended periods.
  • Experience with Electric Transmission and Oil and Gas Transmission projects a plus.
  • Ability to stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat and lift 50 lbs; includes body weight, equipment, tools and boxes, in addition the ability to stand for long periods on varied surfaces.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters:  Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.

#LI-EB1


The projected range for this position is $51,000-$66,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.



What Dewberry employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom