ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Mohave County, AZ

Surveyor (Registered)

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$58K - $97K/yr

... while operating a Mohave County provided vehicle. Essential Job Functions * Writes legal ... of land survey work including experience in instrument operation, record keeping, survey ...

Mohave County

Surveyor (Registered)

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$58K - $97K/yr

... operating a Mohave County provided vehicle. Essential Job Functions Writes legal descriptions for ... of land survey work including experience in instrument operation, record keeping, survey ...

Sundt

Survey/Layout Specialist I

Patagonia, AZ

Job Summary Responsible for understanding standard survey practices, daily completion of work, and ... as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing ...

Kaiser Aluminum

Technical Manager

Chandler, AZ · On-site

... survey (TUS), system accuracy test (SAT), and thermal instrument calibration (TIC). * Suggest ... Ability to manage personnel from engineer to operator within department, and advise/coach personnel ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSurvey Instrument Operator JobsSurvey Instrument Operator Jobs in Arizona

Survey Instrument Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do survey instrument operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey instrument operator in Arizona is $20.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Survey Instrument Operator might face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Survey Instrument Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can impact both comfort and the accuracy of equipment readings. Navigating uneven terrain and ensuring precise alignment of instruments are also regular challenges. To address these issues, operators should be well-versed in equipment calibration, use protective gear for weather, and maintain clear communication with their team to resolve discrepancies quickly. Adapting to changing environments and staying updated on the latest surveying technologies can further enhance efficiency and accuracy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Survey Instrument Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Instrument Operator, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, mathematics, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in surveying preferred. Familiarity with electronic total stations, GPS equipment, and data collection software is essential for accurate field measurements. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure precise data collection and effective collaboration with survey crews. These skills are crucial for producing reliable survey results that support engineering, construction, and land development projects.

What are Survey Instrument Operators?

Survey Instrument Operators are professionals who assist land surveyors by setting up, operating, and maintaining surveying equipment such as total stations, GPS units, and levels. They play a crucial role in collecting accurate measurements of land features, boundaries, and construction sites. Their work supports the creation of maps, legal property descriptions, and engineering plans. Survey Instrument Operators often work outdoors in various weather conditions and must ensure the precision and reliability of the data collected.

What is the difference between Survey Instrument Operator vs Geospatial Technician?

AspectSurvey Instrument OperatorGeospatial Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, survey-specific certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in geospatial sciences or related field
Work EnvironmentOutdoor survey sites, construction areasOffice, GIS labs, field data collection
Industry UsageConstruction, surveying firms, engineeringUrban planning, GIS mapping, environmental projects

Survey Instrument Operators primarily focus on operating survey equipment in the field, while Geospatial Technicians handle data processing, mapping, and GIS analysis. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their technical focus and educational requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Arizona? For Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Arizona are:
Survey Instrument Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,292 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Surveyor (Registered)

Mohave County, AZ

Kingman, AZ • On-site

$58K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $58,822.40 - $97,177.60 Annually
Location : Kingman, AZ
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 05162
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Mohave County Public Works Department - Engineering Division is looking to hire a Surveyor-Registered in Kingman, Arizona.
We are located at 3715 Sunshine Dr., Kingman, AZ.
About us:
The Engineering Survey Division of Public Works, under direction of the Mohave County Surveyor, provides timely, accurate land surveying and delivers cartographic data together with rights-of-way management services for County operations. In addition, the Surveying Division makes available cadastral surveying and roadway maps.
Chief among these duties is the review of the Minor Land Division process and accompanying Parcel Plat. The County Surveyor's office is the public portal for citizens to initiate roadway abandonments and public easement extinguishments with the Board of Supervisors. Citizens wishing to convey land and roads to the County are encouraged to send proposals through the County Surveyor's office as a first step in the Board of Supervisor's consideration of the matter.
The Survey Division is the point of contact for public access to the County Engineer's records, maps, and cadastral records. The Engineering Survey Division directly engages the public by marking the boundaries of roadways as necessary in adjacent County Road works.
Surveyor (Registered) -> Salary Range 19 Steps 1-18 $28.28 - $46.72/hr.
  • Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm.
  • Weekends and holidays off.
  • Work is primarily performed in the field with occasional office work.

Must be able to travel throughout different county locations. Working conditions would include but not limited to:
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including strong winds, extreme heat to extreme cold temperatures.
  • This position does require time spent standing, walking, bending, stooping and sitting.
  • The ability to frequently be able to lift 1lb up to 50lbs.
  • Travel to outlying county locations as needed, including Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Northern Arizona Strip, and other areas of Mohave County as required while operating a Mohave County provided vehicle.

Essential Job Functions
  • Writes legal descriptions for rights-of-way, deeds of dedications, easements and other county land sales, purchases, parcel transfers and leases.
  • Advises various individuals and developers with legal access problems to ensure compliance with County and State regulations.
  • Performs plan checks for construction drawings prepared by County or private engineers within the county rights-of-way as required.
  • Directs survey party in gathering field information from preliminary to design of improvement projects.
  • Performs calculations from survey party notes for application to mapping or legal descriptions.
  • Assists survey party when they need help or when legal or technical problems arise.
  • Checks and reduces field notes submitted by survey party.
  • Research legal boundaries and gathers record information for survey party and for mapping procedures.
  • Performs survey computations and adjustments related to boundary decisions.
  • Stamps and seals legal descriptions, record of surveys, and cadastral survey plats.
  • Maintains survey records for the general public, private surveyors and engineers and other governmental agencies.
  • Oversees restoration and perpetuation of survey control monuments, street centerline, basic horizontal and vertical control, and cadastral monumentation.
  • Drafts cadastral maps and legal plats and records same.
  • Conducts research for mapping and legal descriptions prepared by the County.
  • As required, completes performance evaluations; may make hiring recommendations; recommends disciplinary actions; approves vacations and time off; prepares work schedules and assignments; supervises the activities of assigned personnel; monitors reports and record keeping activities filed by assigned personnel for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines; instructs personnel in departmental policies, procedures and techniques; and provides training.
  • Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Minimum Education, Experience, and Training:
  • Associate degree in land surveying, engineering, geography, computer science, earth science, or a related field is required.
  • Two (2) years of progressively responsible surveying experience in all phases of land survey work including experience in instrument operation, record keeping, survey calculations, and plans interpretation.
  • Two (2) years supervising surveying activities.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENT
  • Must possess a valid State of Arizona Driver's License at the start of employment and maintain said license while employed in this position.
  • Must always during employment be actively registered as a Land Surveyor in the State of Arizona and disclose all actions with any and all state boards of technical registration or equivalent regulatory agency.
  • Arizona licensure in good standing is a requirement to be eligible and maintain this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Concepts, principles, theories, and methods used in the measurement or determination of land boundaries, distances, elevations, areas, angles, and other features of the earth's surface.
  • Title search procedures and legal descriptions of real property; field surveying methods, techniques, and principles; and of the regulations governing land boundary surveying.
  • Principles, methods, procedures, and techniques, of surveying and cartography including operation of optical, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical measuring devices.
  • Federal, state, and local technical, administrative, and legal requirements pertaining to surveying, rights-of-way and subdivisions.
  • Laws, regulations, directives, policies, and organizations relating to administration, planning, surveying and the review and approval of rights-of-ways and subdivisions.
  • Land and construction survey methods and procedures.
  • Survey mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Civil engineering and survey terminology and descriptive materials including maps, plats, drawings, and specifications.
  • Surveying instrumentation including optical, electronic, and magnetic devices.
  • Computer-aided drafting equipment and programs.
  • Department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures including safety requirements.
  • Computer applications as they apply to uses for engineering, surveying, and mapping purposes.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, supervision, and training.
  • Location and retrieval of survey related records within governmental agencies.
  • Efficient operation and maintenance of surveying instrumentation and related equipment.
  • Utilizing computer systems and applications in the performance of work assignments to include the use of computer-aided design equipment, land geographic information systems with knowledge of standard legal practices and interpretations.
  • Interpreting, adapting, and applying appropriate written guidelines, precedents, and standardized work practices to a variety of unprecedented and problematic situations.
  • Recognizing non-standardized situations and preparing recommendations for problem resolution.
  • Set priorities, assign, schedule, train, supervise and evaluate work activities and to persuade assigned personnel effectively.
  • Interpret technical information encountered in the performance of responsibilities to include maps, plans, specifications, and other related descriptive materials.
  • Calculate and verify survey mathematical data.
  • Make decisions in accordance with established policies and regulations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, personnel of other county departments, private engineers and surveyors, and the general public.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
Mohave County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of Mohave County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all job applicants and employees. The County shall not discriminate against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, pay promotion, retention, discipline or any other aspect of personnel administration, term or condition of employment, due to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, genetic information or disability, age (40 or older).
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Mohave County has an extensive benefits package with exceptional health, wellness, and work/life balance offerings, financial & retirement benefits, comprehensive leave program, and more.
Check out ourBenefits Guidefor full details!

Apply