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Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Survey Instrument Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$42K - $53K/yr

As a Surveying Instrument Operator, you will usually work a 10-hour day, 4 days a week with occasional opportunities for overtime. You will primarily spend time outdoors and engage in active ...

As a Surveying Instrument Operator, you will usually work a 10-hour day, 4 days a week with occasional opportunities for overtime. You will primarily spend time outdoors and engage in active ...

Pape-Dawson is a seeking an Instrument Operator II for their Newnan, GA office ... The position is responsible for operating surveying instruments and supports the Party Chief in ...

We are collecting resumes for a Survey/Instrument Operator to join our Atlanta, GA team as new projects come in. Come join us! Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Hold prism pole ...

Field Surveyor

Suwanee, GA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Salary based on Experience The Instrument Operator / Field Surveyor is responsible for, but not limited to: * The successful and accurate completion of the field survey. * The utilization of the ...

The Instrument man is responsible for total station setup and operating electronic data collectors. All project survey points must be retained for company records and archived. In addition, the ...

Rodperson

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$30/hr

Places survey stakes at designated points, as instructed. * Cleans, carries and assumes ... or instrument operator preferred.No related experience is required. Interest in pursuing a ...

Rodperson

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Places survey stakes at designated points, as instructed. * Cleans, carries and assumes ... or instrument operator preferred. No related experience is required. Interest in pursuing a ...

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Survey Instrument Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do survey instrument operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey instrument operator in Georgia is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.90 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.

How much do Rpls make?

Survey Instrument Operators in Texas typically earn an average hourly wage of $15 to $25, depending on experience and location. They often work with specialized equipment and may require certification or training in survey methods and safety protocols.

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 does a survey instrument operator do?

A survey instrument operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining survey equipment such as total stations, GPS units, and data collectors during field surveys. They ensure accurate data collection by following survey protocols and may assist with data recording and troubleshooting equipment issues. The role often requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of surveying procedures.

How much do surveyors make per hour?

Survey Instrument Operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the surveys. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Certifications and familiarity with surveying equipment can also influence pay rates.

Is AI going to replace surveyors?

AI is unlikely to fully replace surveyors, including Survey Instrument Operators, because their work requires on-site measurements, interpretation of complex environments, and decision-making that current AI cannot replicate. However, AI and automation tools can assist surveyors by improving data collection, processing, and accuracy. Skilled surveyors will continue to be essential for overseeing projects and ensuring precise results.
What are popular job titles related to Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Georgia? For Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Georgia are:
Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,321 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Survey Instrument Operator

Survey Instrument Operator

Arcadis

Atlanta, GA • On-site, Remote

$42K - $53K/yr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis seeks to hire a Survey Instrument Person to join our team in Atlanta, GA. As a Surveying Instrument Operator, you will usually work a 10-hour day, 4 days a week with occasional opportunities for overtime. You will primarily spend time outdoors and engage in active, sometimes strenuous, work. You will often stand for long periods, walk considerable distances, and carry survey equipment over varying terrain. You can also be exposed to all types of weather. Work location can vary between in town and out-of-town project locations. Out-of-town projects can require overnight stays, when this is necessary lodging and per diem will be included. We are seeking a candidate who will show enthusiasm, dependability and the desire to learn and be trained on equipment and survey standards. This is a great opportunity to start a career with a global firm with room for advancement.
Role accountabilities:
  • Conducting field surveys; taking field measurements; and the compilation, update, and maintenance of maps.
  • May conduct surveys utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
  • May assist in collecting electronic linear and angular measurements using electronic total stations with on board data collection routines to assist office staff with computing and adjusting field traverse closures.
  • May assist with collecting topographic, planimetric or other as-built data on various project sites. Collection activities may require use of brush clearing tools (i.e. machete, brush hook, chain saw) or lifting of 50 to 75 pound man-hole covers.
  • May compute simple computations to compile data to establish primary control points for projects.
  • Works under direct supervision from a Survey Party Chief.
  • Keep survey equipment and survey vehicle maintained and organized.
  • Communicate with other team members in an effective manor, both orally and written.
  • Learn new procedures and equipment.
  • This position requires a current valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Qualifications & Experience:
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 1 year of work experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum 1 year of Survey / Field work experience or demonstrated continuous work history.
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Experience with LEICA brand GPS, Electronic Total Stations, and Digital Levels

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $42400 - $53000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US