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Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Plano, TX · On-site

The Survey Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties ...

Ardurra

Survey Instrument Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

Ardurra is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator II to join our team in Dallas, TX . Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm which provides broad-based solutions tailored to the ...

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Plano, TX

The Survey Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties ...

STV

Survey Instrument Operator

Midlothian, TX · On-site

$47K - $54K/yr

STV is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator for our DFW, TX locations. In this role, you will be using Trimble Robotic Total Station running Trimble Access software on the data collector to set ...

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Survey Instrument Operator information

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$29

How much do survey instrument operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey instrument operator in Texas 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 Texas? For Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Operator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Survey Instrument Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Survey Instrument Operator job openings:
Survey Instrument Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Operator job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,281 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Survey Instrument Operator

Survey Instrument Operator

Ardurra Group, Inc.

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Ardurra is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator II to join our team in Dallas, TX.
Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm which provides broad-based solutions tailored to the specific needs of the public and private sector. We leverage the depth of our professional and technical expertise, as well as our integrated structure, to deliver practical, innovative solutions for our clients.
We have been creating opportunities for our employees to develop both personally and professionally. As a result, our team has contributed to some of the nation's most important infrastructure projects. These are projects that can positively impact people's lives.
Primary Function:
The Survey Instrument Operator II operates various types of Survey equipment, including electronic total stations, GPS base stations, and receivers, data collectors (survey controllers), digital levels, and automatic levels. Instrument Operators are responsible for keeping the survey truck and equipment clean, organized, and batteries charged and ready for each daily work assignment. As part of the field survey crew/team, Instrument Operators work under supervision to assist the Survey Crew Chief on a day-to-day basis to do Boundary Surveys, Topographic Surveys, Construction Layout, Utility Surveys, and other types of surveying as assigned.
Primary Duties:
  • Arrive at work on time, properly dressed, and prepared to go to work
  • Assist Survey Crew Chief in researching and gathering of information
  • Clear brush and trees on lines using a machete and brush axe
  • Properly set up appropriate safety signs and cones
  • Properly wear appropriate safety equipment and clothing
  • Assist in location of metallic markers using magnetic location equipment
  • Capable of properly setting up tripods with optical and/or laser plummet over specified points on even and uneven terrain
  • Keeps work truck well organized, clean, and stocked with day-to-day supplies
  • Manages batteries well by keeping them charged and clean
  • Capable of setting up new projects in data collector
  • Capable of uploading and downloading files to and from data collector
  • Uses prescribed point and line coding, and correctly saves collected points
  • Represent the company in a respectful, polite, and professional manner
  • Understands proper field procedures for conducting various types of surveys
  • Identifies toxic plants, dangerous animals, and insects
  • Capable of performing basic first aid
  • Obtain OSHA 10-hour safety certification course (company provided)

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • > 6 months of experience, candidate must have a functional understanding of basic field crew operations
  • Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Ability to work and carry heavy objects in extreme weather conditions and harsh terrain
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and work ethic
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Problem Solving & Innovation
  • Results Oriented
  • Functional with Microsoft Word, and Excel
  • Must be team-oriented and self-motivated
  • Must have a valid Driver's license

Why Ardurra?
While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers. We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun. We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.
Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We're not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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