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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

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.

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Dewberry is currently seeking a Land Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department ...

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Land Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department ...

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

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.

Dewberry

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Land Survey Instrument Operator. Applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, and a detail oriented individual interested in joining our Land Surveying department ...

Dewberry

Survey Instrument Operator

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$51K - $66K/yr

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 ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN

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 ...

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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator information

See salary details

$31.5K

$74.7K

$120.5K

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 the United States is $74,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,500.00 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.
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Land Surveyor Instrument Operator jobs near you

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group, Inc.

Ellicott City, MD • On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Timmons Group rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Job Description

Timmons Group is currently seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our Survey Group located in our Ellicott City, MD office location. 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Collects data for boundaries, location, topographical, and design surveys
  • Operates robotic total station, level, GPS Receivers and data collectors in performance of field surveys
  • Sets points on construction stakeout projects (curb and gutter, drop inlets, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, bridges, etc.)
  • Conducts daily maintenance and up-keep of instruments
  • Makes sketches and records measurements to indicate exact location of horizontal and vertical control points
  • Assists in the maintenance of survey equipment, supplies, and vehicle
  • Travel may be required at times
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Skills/Requirements of a successful candidate include but are not limited to:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to read survey and engineering drawings
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as trigonometry and geometry
  • Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to apply professional knowledge to the solution of both routine and non-routine tasks and surveying activities
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of team with excellent time management skills to ensure deadlines are met
  • Have a current state driver's license and able to drive a vehicle
  • Physical demands include: Must be able to carry up to 50 lb. of equipment over all types of terrain.

All-weather year-round outdoor work environment, with seasonal extreme heat index and wind-chill factors

Other physical attributes of the job, such as hiking, climbing, vegetation management (chopping, cutting, hammering, sawing, etc.)

Compensation: Our best estimate of the salary range for this position is $21-$29/hr. Offers are based on a range of job-related factors such as internal equity, experience, skills, education, credentials and role complexity.

Additional Information

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are looking for high energy, creative, flexible, patient, self-starters who are willing to work at a dynamic pace. Candidates must share a commitment to our company's Vision, Mission and Shared Values.

Timmons Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Timmons Group is a full-service engineering and technology firm recognized nationally as a "Best Firm to Work For" by CE News. With 21 offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, we provide civil engineering, environmental, economic development, GIS/geospatial technology, landscape architecture, and surveying services to a diverse client base. As one of Engineering News Record's (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms for over 30 years, we are dedicated to being an employer of choice and providing our people with the best resources, technology, and culture to help them thrive in an engaging career development setting. For more information, visit www.timmons.com.

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