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Lidar Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Create and manage existing ground surfaces using survey data, drone data, LiDAR, point clouds, topo ... Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, survey crews, and operators to ensure models ...

Lidar Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$9

$21

$34

How much do lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar operator in Arizona is $21.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a LIDAR operator?

To become a LIDAR operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in LIDAR technology and data processing. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in GIS, surveying, or related fields, and certifications in remote sensing or GIS software can enhance job prospects. Hands-on experience with LIDAR equipment and understanding of data collection and analysis are essential for this role.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Lidar operators can earn around $4,000 per week with experience, especially in high-demand industries like surveying, construction, or autonomous vehicle development. These roles typically require technical skills, familiarity with lidar equipment, and sometimes certifications, but they often do not require a college degree. High-paying positions may also involve overtime, specialized training, or working in remote or hazardous environments.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Lidar operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized consultants, or business owners. High-paying jobs in technology, finance, or healthcare may reach that level, but lidar operation itself is generally a mid-level technical position. Achieving such income often requires advanced skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Lidar Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lidar Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and experience with surveying or geospatial data collection, typically supported by relevant training or certifications in Lidar technology or geomatics. Proficiency with Lidar hardware, GPS systems, 3D mapping software, and data processing tools such as TerraScan or Global Mapper is essential. Being dependable, having good communication skills, and working well both independently and within field teams will help you excel in project-based environments. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate data collection, safe field operations, and effective collaboration on complex mapping or surveying projects.

How much do LIDAR jobs pay in the US?

Lidar operators in the US typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Higher pay may be available for those with specialized skills, advanced equipment knowledge, or supervisory roles.

What does a typical day look like for a Lidar Operator?

A typical day for a Lidar Operator often includes preparing equipment, conducting field surveys—sometimes in challenging weather or terrain—and capturing high-precision 3D data. After fieldwork, you may spend time processing and analyzing the collected data on a computer, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. Collaboration with survey managers, GIS teams, and project coordinators is common to integrate Lidar data into larger mapping or engineering efforts. The work strikes a balance between hands-on field activities and technical data analysis, offering variety and opportunities for skill development.

What is a Lidar Operator job?

A Lidar Operator is responsible for using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to collect high-resolution spatial data for mapping and surveying purposes. They operate specialized equipment mounted on vehicles, drones, or aircraft to scan terrain, structures, and vegetation. Their duties include setting up and calibrating sensors, ensuring data accuracy, processing raw LiDAR data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Lidar Operators work in industries like geospatial mapping, construction, forestry, and infrastructure development. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with GIS software are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Operator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Lidar Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Lidar Operator jobs in Arizona? For Lidar Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Lidar Operator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Lidar Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Lidar Operator job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,666 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Heavy Civil 3D Modeler

Heavy Civil 3D Modeler

Fisher Industries

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Fisher Industries rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Fisher Industries is a vertically integrated family of businesses that provides heavy civil construction and aggregate products across the United States. With over 70 years of experience, the company specializes in highways, bridges, aggregates, and large-scale infrastructure projects, supported by in-house capabilities in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions with an emphasis on safety and quality. As a proven industry leader, Fisher Industries continues to grow while maintaining the integrity and values of a family-owned company. For additional information about our company, visit our website at www.fisherind.com

POSITION SCOPE

Fisher Industries is seeking a motivated and driven Heavy Civil 3D Modeler / Machine Control Specialist to join our Operations team in Tempe, Arizona. This role supports heavy civil construction projects by developing accurate 3D models, grading surfaces, roadway corridors, and GPS machine control files. This is not a basic drafting position-this role plays a critical part in converting plans, survey data, and field information into models that directly support project execution.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn, willing to travel, able to work extended hours when needed, and capable of supporting demanding projects in a fast-paced, field-driven environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Build 3D models for heavy civil projects including roadway, grading, site, pad, haul road, access road, and drainage surfaces
  • Create and manage existing ground surfaces using survey data, drone data, LiDAR, point clouds, topo files, and CAD data
  • Develop proposed surfaces from plans, alignments, profiles, cross sections, contours, and grading details
  • Build and maintain GPS machine control models for Trimble-based equipment and systems
  • Export, organize, and troubleshoot models for use by field crews and project teams
  • Support Operations with constructability reviews, grading concepts, haul routes, and access planning
  • Assist with roadway corridor modeling including alignments, profiles, templates, and tie-ins to existing ground
  • Review plans and models for inconsistencies such as topo errors, drainage conflicts, and constructability issues
  • Support estimating and project teams with earthwork quantities and model-based takeoffs
  • Assist with proposal graphics, 3D visuals, and conceptual exhibits
  • Maintain organized files, revisions, and model documentation
  • Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, survey crews, and operators to ensure models are field-ready
  • Learn and apply Fisher's modeling workflows, standards, and file organization practices

REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience with heavy civil construction, civil drafting, survey, grading, 3D modeling, or construction technology
  • Ability to read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, roadway plans, profiles, and specifications
  • Basic understanding of earthwork, slopes, drainage, and construction tolerances
  • Experience working with CAD files, PDFs, survey data, and topographic surfaces
  • Strong computer skills with willingness to learn multiple modeling platforms
  • High attention to detail and accountability for accuracy
  • Strong communication skills with both office and field personnel
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed
  • Experience with Trimble Business Center and Trimble machine control systems
  • Experience with Autodesk Civil 3D and/or AGTEK
  • Experience building machine control models for heavy civil equipment
  • Experience with roadway corridor modeling, site grading, and mass earthwork
  • Experience with drone data, LiDAR, point clouds, and as-built comparisons
  • Familiarity with survey control, coordinate systems, and GPS workflows
  • Experience supporting field operations, estimating, or project management teams

Fisher Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are a drug-free work environment requiring pre-employment and random drug testing.

If you require an accommodation with applying, please email hrdept@fisherind.com or call the HR Department at (701) 456-9184 to request accommodations. This email is only to request accommodation for the application process and is not an email to inquire about the status of your application.


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