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Rod Man Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rod Man information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$22

$27

How much do rod man jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rod man in Virginia is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $23.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Rod Men in construction?

A Rod Man is a member of a surveying crew who is responsible for handling and positioning the leveling rod, which is used to measure elevations and distances at a construction site. The Rod Man assists the surveyor by holding the rod steady at designated points so measurements can be taken accurately. This role is crucial for ensuring that buildings, roads, and other structures are constructed according to precise plans and elevations. Rod Men often work outdoors and may also help with other tasks like marking boundaries or assisting with equipment setup.

What does a rod man do?

A rod man is a construction or surveying worker responsible for measuring and marking land boundaries, using tools like a leveling rod or transit. They assist surveyors by providing accurate measurements to help establish property lines, construction layouts, or grading plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rod Man, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rod Man, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with survey equipment such as total stations, GPS units, and data collectors is typically required, and safety training or certifications may be beneficial. Strong communication, attention to detail, and physical stamina are essential soft skills for collaborating with survey teams and working outdoors in various conditions. These competencies ensure accurate data collection and support the successful completion of surveying projects.

What is the difference between Rod Man vs Laborer?

AspectRod ManLaborer
CertificationsNone required, but OSHA safety training preferredNone required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, focusing on rebar installationGeneral construction sites, assisting with various tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesMeasuring, cutting, and placing rebar; assisting with reinforcement setupGeneral site cleanup, material handling, assisting tradespeople

While both roles work on construction sites, a Rod Man specializes in rebar placement and requires specific knowledge of reinforcement materials. A Laborer performs broader tasks, supporting various construction activities without specialized skills. The roles often overlap in work environment but differ in technical responsibilities and focus.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Rod Man on a surveying crew?

As a Rod Man, your daily tasks will primarily involve assisting the survey crew by setting up and moving survey equipment, holding the survey rod or prism pole, and recording measurements in the field. You’ll work closely with party chiefs and instrument operators to ensure accurate data collection, often spending much of your time outdoors in various weather conditions. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow instructions precisely, as well as good teamwork and communication skills. Over time, gaining experience as a Rod Man can open opportunities to advance to instrument operator or party chief positions within the surveying field.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

A Rod Man, typically working in construction or utility projects, usually does not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is uncommon for this role. Jobs that can pay $2000 daily include specialized roles like project managers, certain consultants, or high-level contractors with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced skills, significant responsibility, and sometimes long hours or project-based work.

What is the best job for nature lovers?

A Rod Man typically works outdoors on construction or landscaping projects, making it suitable for nature lovers who enjoy working outside. The job involves physical activity, knowledge of tools, and often requires safety certifications and outdoor work schedules.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Rod Man, a construction or landscaping worker responsible for setting up and maintaining scaffolding or frameworks, can earn around $10,000 a month with experience and overtime. High earnings often depend on union membership, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments, but such income levels are uncommon without additional certifications or extensive experience.
Infographic showing various Rod Man job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, and 97% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,795 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Co-op/Internship (Independence Excavating)

DiGeronimo Companies

Sterling, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Internship

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Independence Excavating Co-op or Internship


Who is IX?

From breaking ground to final completion, our team has been laying the foundation for excellence in heavy civil construction and demolition for more than 70 years.

We combine industry innovation with decades of proven performance, delivering complex projects safely, efficiently, and with unmatched expertise. Our long-standing track record of success reflects our commitment to quality, integrity, and value making us a trusted partner from the ground up.

For seven decades, Independence Excavating has built a team of dedicated construction professionals whose experience and discipline set us apart in the industry.

To learn more, visit www.indexc.com.

    What do we believe in?

    PEOPLE:

    Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.

    PERFORMANCE:

    Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.

    COMMUNITY:

    Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.

    A Project Engineer Co-op/Intern is responsible for and will learn various jobsite functions including, but not limited to:

    Estimating and Project Management Assistant

    • Assist in project management and bid preparation
    • Prepare RFI's, submittals, payment requisitions, change order requests
    • Perform quantity takeoff (material, subs, & self-performed work)
    • Solicit quotes from suppliers and subcontractors
    • Assist PM in evaluating job costs
    • Assist in developing and maintaining critical path project schedules.

    Assistant Superintendent

    • One and Two-week look ahead schedules to verify all resources are available
    • Perform takeoff for ordering materials
    • Call suppliers to schedule deliveries
    • Calculate daily costs based on time sheet & work performed
    • Compile extra work orders with necessary backup
    • Complete time sheets & daily reports

    Surveying Assistant

    • Work with AutoCAD to develop coordinates
    • Set up GPS
    • Perform layout with surveying crew; rod man

    Do you have what it takes?

    • College Students currently enrolled in a 2 or 4-year university pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or related field
    • It is strongly encouraged that students who intern with Independence Excavating plan to do so for at least 2 terms (do not need to be consecutive)
    • Interns are required to work 40+ hour weeks, preferably when the student is taking a semester away from school
    • A degree of travel is required for the internship
    • We offer co-op opportunities at our offices in Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Sterling, VA.
    • Additionally, we have traveling co-op opportunities within several of our travelling divisions. Locations vary throughout the country.

    We are currently looking to fill co-op/internship positions for the Fall 2026 Semester.