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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator Jobs in Virginia

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be ... Land Surveyor. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 ...

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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator information

What is a land surveyor instrument operator?

Land Surveyor Instrument Operators are professionals who work alongside land surveyors to measure and map land features using specialized surveying instruments. They set up, operate, and maintain equipment such as total stations, GPS devices, and levels to gather precise data required for land development, construction, or legal boundaries. Their work is essential for preparing accurate survey records, maps, and reports. Instrument Operators often work outdoors and must be detail-oriented to ensure high accuracy in measurements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land surveyor instrument operator?

To thrive as a Land Surveyor Instrument Operator, you need a solid understanding of surveying principles, mathematics, and field data collection, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in surveying or a related field. Familiarity with survey instruments such as total stations, GPS units, and data collectors, as well as software like AutoCAD or GIS, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate measurements, efficient fieldwork, and reliable data for land development and construction projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by a land surveyor instrument operator in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Land Surveyor Instrument Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating difficult terrain, and ensuring equipment accuracy in the field. To address these, operators should be prepared with appropriate outdoor gear, maintain equipment regularly, and double-check measurements for consistency. Developing strong communication skills is also important, as they work closely with surveyors, engineers, and construction crews to ensure precise data collection and project success.

What is the difference between Land Surveyor Instrument Operator vs Land Surveyor?

AspectLand Surveyor Instrument OperatorLand Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and specialized training or certification in surveying equipmentRequires a state license, a degree in surveying or geomatics, and professional certification
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily outdoors, operating surveying instruments on-siteWorks both outdoors and in offices, overseeing survey projects and analyzing data
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by surveying firms, construction companies, and engineering firmsEmployed by engineering firms, government agencies, and consulting companies

The main difference is that the Land Surveyor Instrument Operator focuses on operating surveying equipment in the field, while the Land Surveyor holds a professional license, oversees survey projects, and performs data analysis. The instrument operator supports survey activities, whereas the surveyor manages the entire surveying process.

Where do land surveyor instrument operators make the most money?

Land surveyor instrument operators tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong construction and infrastructure sector, such as states with active development projects. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in remote or high-cost-of-living areas can also increase earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Land Surveyor Instrument Operator jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Survey Instrument Operator

Gainesville, VA • On-site

Dewberry
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$53K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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 Gainesville, VA area as a Land Survey Technician 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 anyway. 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.

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The projected range for this position is $53,000-$68,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.



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