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Survey Instrument Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Duties, Responsibilities & Other Our Survey Practice in Texas is looking for an Instrument Operator to join our team! This person will work with our team of Land Surveyors to support our projects ...

Our Survey Practice in Texas is looking for an Instrument Operator to join our team! This person will work with our team of Land Surveyors to support our projects local to the area. This is a field ...

Instrument Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Instrument Operator operates and maintains all survey equipment, work under the direction of the Party Chief, collects and downloads survey data, directs loading and storage of equipment and ...

Instrument Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Instrument Operator operates and maintains all survey equipment, work under the direction of the Party Chief, collects and downloads survey data, directs loading and storage of equipment and ...

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Survey Instrument Operator information

See Texas salary details

$13

$20

$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:
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.
Instrument Operator

Instrument Operator

KCI Technologies Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


KCI Technologies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 356 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Join us as we Rise to the Challenge
At KCI, we're building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employees have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
THE COMPANY
KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.
KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.
KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION
We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.
We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!
KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THIS FIELD BASED POSITION.
Duties, Responsibilities & Other
Our Survey Practice in Texas is looking for an Instrument Operator to join our team! This person will work with our team of Land Surveyors to support our projects local to the area. This is a field based position that requires regular overnight travel. We have openings in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Laredo.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Instrument Operator is responsible for performing technical tasks in the field with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism. This role involves working closely with team members, clients, and supervisors to ensure that all project requirements are met in accordance with industry standards, safety regulations, and KCI policies. The Instrument Operator will actively participate in cross-training opportunities to build a stronger team, communicate workflow needs, and proactively work to resolve problems in the field.
  • Experience: experience on a Survey field crew preforming Utility surveys, ALTA surveys, boundary, topographic, construction layout and telecom surveys.
  • Skills: proficient with Trimble survey equipment and other basic survey field equipment.
  • Duties: Responsible for using survey equipment to preform ALTA surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, utility surveys, construction layout, and telecommunication surveys as directed by field crew leader.
  • Ability to perform some equipment maintenance tasks a plus.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, walk for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions and climates, willing to work evenings/weekends when required, willing to travel for overnight and extended stay projects as required.

* Essential Duties and Responsibilities are the basic job functions that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Qualifications
Education and/or Skills Required:
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience
  • Highschool Diploma/GED

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Required:
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Ability to maintain required certifications.

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Background and motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.

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