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Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Instrument Operator - Surveying

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$41K - $67K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Instrument Operator- Surveying for our ... Utilize survey instruments to perform field surveys. * Comply with safety guidelines and site ...

WSP

Instrument Operator - Surveying

Valhalla, NY

$41K - $67K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Instrument Operator- Surveying for our ... Utilize survey instruments to perform field surveys. * Comply with safety guidelines and site ...

WSP

Survey Party Chief

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

Possess a willingness to mentor and teach Jr Party Chiefs and Instrument Operators while being ... Experience in most types of survey work including but not limited to traditional boundary and ...

WSP

Survey Party Chief

Valhalla, NY

$69K - $88K/yr

Possess a willingness to mentor and teach Jr Party Chiefs and Instrument Operators while being ... Experience in most types of survey work including but not limited to traditional boundary and ...

Hirani Group

Instrument Person

Hicksville, NY · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Operate and maintain survey instruments, including total stations, GPS, and data collectors ... FAA Part 107 UAV Pilot Certification and experience operating UAVs for aerial mapping * Hands-on ...

Trilon

Survey Party Chief

Neptune, NJ

$35 - $50/hr

... to instrument operators and junior field staff Promote a team-oriented environment focused on ... survey field procedures, equipment, and data collection methods Experience with boundary ...

Trilon Group

Survey Party Chief

Neptune, NJ · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Survey Party Chief Department: Survey/Geomatics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Neptune ... instrument operators and junior field staff • Promote a team-oriented environment focused on ...

Hirani Group

Instrument Person

Hicksville, NY

$70K - $120K/yr

Operate and maintain survey instruments, including total stations, GPS, and data collectors Assist ... operating UAVs for aerial mapping Hands-on experience with Leica LiDAR scanners for high-accuracy ...

Trilon Group

Senior Survey Technician

Neptune, NJ · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Survey/Geomatics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Neptune Compensation: $35.00 - $50.00 / hour ... instrument operators and junior field staff • Promote a team-oriented environment focused on ...

Trilon

Senior Survey Technician

Neptune, NJ

$35 - $50/hr

... to instrument operators and junior field staff Promote a team-oriented environment focused on ... survey field procedures, equipment, and data collection methods Experience with boundary ...

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All JobsSurvey Instrument Operator JobsSurvey Instrument Operator Jobs in New York

Survey Instrument Operator information

See New York salary details

$16

$23

$34

How much do survey instrument operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey instrument operator in New York is $23.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $25.77 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?

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 is a survey instrument operator?

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 New York? For Survey Instrument Operator jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Operator jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Operator jobs in New York are:
Survey Instrument Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Operator job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,651 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

Colliers Engineering & Design

Melville, NY • On-site

$23 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 440 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our survey crew in New York!
Join our Survey/Geospatial team, which offers a full range of survey and geospatial data and mapping services that enable us to collect data faster, safer, and more accurately than ever before. Collect data from the air, ground and subsurface to provide precision data interpretation with us and accelerate YOUR success to become tomorrow's industry leader.
Responsibilities
  • The successful candidate will assist Crew Chief in the performance of field surveys.
  • Perform assignments using standard equipment, work and safety methods.
  • Use Total Stations, Data Collector, GPS and other equipment to collect data.
  • Upload and download all field data collections.
  • May be required to drive the Survey vehicle.
  • Transport and set up the instruments and equipment associated with surveying land and preparing the job site for a survey.
  • Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established work safety policies, practices and procedures.
  • Adhere to Health and Safety program and all applicable SOPs.
  • Responsible for care and maintenance of the survey instruments and equipment associated with surveying land and preparing the job site for a survey.
  • Assist with maintaining equipment and stocking the survey vehicle.
  • Maintain, load and stock all supplies in the truck.

Qualifications
  • High School/GED or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of experience.
  • Valid Driver's license may be required.
  • Demonstrate basic organizational skills and the awareness of prioritizing skills.
  • Intermediate knowledge of surveying practices and equipment.
  • Ability to effectively operate/handle surveying equipment.
  • Effectively work as a team, collaborate, contribute and respect others.
  • Basic knowledge of math, geometry and trigonometry for the purpose of performing calculations.
  • Travel required occasionally, must be able to drive for long periods of time.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English to comprehend written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $23-$34 per hour (depending on qualifications)
Requires a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program.
What We Offer
At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That's why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.
This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women's Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.
Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

What Colliers Engineering & Design employees say

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About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984

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