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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator Jobs in Inverness, FL

Ardurra is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator II to join our team in Ocala, Florida Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm which provides broad-based solutions tailored to ...

Land Surveyor Instrument Operator information

See Inverness, FL salary details

$23.6K

$55.9K

$90.1K

How much do land surveyor instrument operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for land surveyor instrument operator in Inverness, FL is $55,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,300.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Inverness, FL are hiring for Land Surveyor Instrument Operator jobs?

Cities near Inverness, FL with the most Land Surveyor Instrument Operator job openings:

Survey Instrument Operator II

Ardurra Group, Inc.

Ocala, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Ardurra is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator II to join our team in Ocala, Florida

Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm which provides broad-based solutions tailored to the specific needs of the public and private sector. We leverage the depth of our professional and technical expertise, as well as our integrated structure, to deliver practical, innovative solutions for our clients.

We have been creating opportunities for our employees to develop both personally and professionally. As a result, our team has contributed to some of the nation’s most important infrastructure projects. These are projects that can positively impact people’s lives.

Primary Function:

The Survey Instrument Operator II operates various types of Survey equipment, including electronic total stations, GPS base stations, and receivers, data collectors (survey controllers), digital levels, and automatic levels. Instrument Operators are responsible for keeping the survey truck and equipment clean, organized, and batteries charged and ready for each daily work assignment. As part of the field survey crew/team, Instrument Operators work under supervision to assist the Survey Crew Chief on a day-to-day basis to do Boundary Surveys, Topographic Surveys, Construction Layout, Utility Surveys, and other types of surveying as assigned.

Primary Duties:

  • Arrive at work on time, properly dressed, and prepared to go to work
  • Assist Survey Crew Chief in researching and gathering of information
  • Clear brush and trees on lines using a machete and brush axe
  • Properly set up appropriate safety signs and cones
  • Properly wear appropriate safety equipment and clothing
  • Assist in location of metallic markers using magnetic location equipment
  • Capable of properly setting up tripods with optical and/or laser plummet over specified points on even and uneven terrain
  • Keeps work truck well organized, clean, and stocked with day-to-day supplies
  • Manages batteries well by keeping them charged and clean
  • Capable of setting up new projects in data collector
  • Capable of uploading and downloading files to and from data collector
  • Uses prescribed point and line coding, and correctly saves collected points
  • Represent the company in a respectful, polite, and professional manner
  • Understands proper field procedures for conducting various types of surveys
  • Identifies toxic plants, dangerous animals, and insects
  • Capable of performing basic first aid
  • Obtain OSHA 10-hour safety certification course (company provided)

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • > 6 months of experience, candidate must have a functional understanding of basic field crew operations
  • Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Ability to work and carry heavy objects in extreme weather conditions and harsh terrain
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and work ethic
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Problem Solving & Innovation
  • Results Oriented
  • Functional with Microsoft Word, and Excel
  • Must be team-oriented and self-motivated
  • Must have a valid Driver’s license

Why Ardurra?

While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers. We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun. We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.

Ardurra 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.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We’re not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.

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