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Rod Man Jobs in York, SC (NOW HIRING)

Rod Man information

See York, SC salary details

$15

$21

$25

How much do rod man jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for rod man in York, SC is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rod man?

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 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 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 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 distance and elevation data to help create maps and plans. Attention to detail and knowledge of surveying equipment are essential for this role.

Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

Rock Hill, SC • On-site

Cardinal Civil Resources
Civil Engineering Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About This Role:
Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.
Responsibilities:
As a Survey Field Technician, you will:
• Work in group environments
• Work within defined project scopes and budgets
• Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times
• Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan
• Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards
• Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities
• Take field notes of readings and observations
• Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment
• Know and perform field principles of staking and marking
• Perform other related field and office duties as assigned
• Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew
• Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight
• Reads and understands plans and specifications
• Know basic sources of measurement errors
• Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments
• Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances
• Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects
• Provide solutions to civil site design challenges
• Topographical surveys
• Boundary surveys
• Well connect pipelines surveys
• Pipeline route staking
• Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area
Qualifications:
EDUCATION: A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.
EXPERIENCE: Land Surveying experience
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
  • Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES:
• Must be able and willing to travel daily.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.
• Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must have Reliable Transportation
  • Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:
• Valid driver's license with insurable record
• CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain
• Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time
• Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed
• Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally
• Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs
• Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan
About Us:
Cardinal Civil Resources ("CCR") is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.
EEO Statement:
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.