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Survey Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood PLC

Survey Instrument Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

The Survey Instrument Operator measures distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the Earth's surface. Must have experience operating electronic survey data collectors ...

Jayes Tech LLC

Land Surveyor

Childress, TX · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting boundary, topographic, and construction layout surveys; operating surveying equipment; collecting and verifying field data; and preparing survey ...

T Baker Smith

Survey Instrument Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

Job Title Survey Instrument Operator Job Type Full-time Location Houma - Houma, LA 70363 US (Primary) Category Survey Education Vocational Instrument Operator T. Baker Smith, LLC is seeking a Land ...

Wood PLC

Survey Instrument Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

The Survey Instrument Operator measures distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the Earth's surface. Must have experience operating electronic survey data collectors ...

Wood PLC

Survey Instrument Operator

Houston, TX

The Survey Instrument Operator measures distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the Earth's surface. Must have experience operating electronic survey data collectors ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

MasTec Civil

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

T Baker Smith

Survey Instrument Operator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

Job Title Survey Instrument Operator Job Type Full-time Location Lafayette - Lafayette, LA 70503 US (Primary) Category Associate Education High School Instrument Operator T. Baker Smith, LLC is ...

MasTec Inc

Survey Instrument Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They ...

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Survey Operator information

See salary details

$14

$31

$48

How much do survey operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey operator in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a survey operator do?

A Survey Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment used to measure and collect data about land, structures, or other sites. They work closely with surveyors and engineers to gather precise measurements for maps, construction projects, and legal boundaries. Their duties often include using GPS devices, total stations, and computer software to ensure accurate data collection and documentation. Survey Operators also help maintain safety standards on site and may assist in analyzing the data collected.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey operator?

To thrive as a Survey Operator, you need a solid understanding of surveying principles, data collection, and measurement techniques, often supported by a relevant diploma or technical training. Proficiency with surveying instruments (such as total stations and GPS), CAD software, and data logging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurate data handling and teamwork. These competencies ensure precise survey results, efficient project execution, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by survey operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Survey Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, dealing with difficult terrain, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. Managing these challenges involves thorough preparation, using appropriate safety gear, and regularly calibrating equipment. Additionally, effective communication with team members and flexibility in adjusting to changing site conditions are key to maintaining productivity and data quality.

What is the difference between Survey Operator vs Geospatial Technician?

AspectSurvey OperatorGeospatial Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, survey certificationAssociate's or bachelor's in geospatial or related field
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, fieldworkOffice, field, GIS labs
Industry UsageConstruction, surveying firms, engineeringUrban planning, GIS mapping, environmental projects

Survey Operators primarily perform field measurements and data collection for surveying projects, often working outdoors. Geospatial Technicians handle data processing, mapping, and analysis using GIS software, often working in offices. While both roles support surveying projects, Survey Operators focus on fieldwork, whereas Geospatial Technicians focus on data management and analysis.

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What job categories do people searching Survey Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Survey Operator jobs are:

Survey Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Survey Instrument Operator

Wood PLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description


Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.
Wood is seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join the team in Houston.
The Survey Instrument Operator measures distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the Earth's surface. Must have experience operating electronic survey data collectors, preferably Trimble TSC3. In the field, selects known survey reference points and determines the precise location of important features in the survey area using specialized equipment. Must be able to troubleshoot modern conventional surveying equipment and GPS issues.
Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work in the US, without sponsorship from Wood now or in the future.
Join a culture of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible to seek the best solutions for our clients.
What we can offer:
  • Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to leaders of industry across oil & gas and process industry projects.
  • Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs. This opportunity is onsite in Houston, TX.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice.
  • Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market.
  • Flexible benefits package that can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.
  • Commitment to continued professional development through development plans tailored to individual needs and interests.
  • Global connections with leading industry experts around the world who are shaping the standards of our profession.

Responsibilities
  • Occasionally will record and deliver quality field notes that will enable the drafter and Surveyor to be able to produce an accurate map or drawing.
  • Measures and records how far different points are from each other, using a tape or electronic equipment, and helps with the various pieces of survey equipment such as real time kinematic GPS equipment and conventional total station equipment.

Qualifications
What makes you remarkable?
At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world's most critical challenges.
Expected:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associates degree or equivalent technical training in related area preferred for advancement
  • Two years of experience in the pipeline surveying field is desired with control, topographic surveys, and boundary surveying experience a plus
  • One year hands on experience with GPS and conventional total station data collection is required
  • Must be knowledgeable in safe work practices and demonstrate safe working and operating methods of assigned tools and equipment such as a prism poles, GPS systems, cutting tools, chain saws, hedge trimmers and probing bars
  • Familiar with basic surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying
  • Knows basic sources of measurement errors
  • Familiar with pipeline industry standards, terminology and procedures
  • Knowledge of equipment setup and operation
  • Ability to read, write and understand English and be familiar with survey plans and specifications
  • Ability to use chain saw, hedge trimmer, brush saw, pick, shovel, mallet, probe bar, tape measure and other basic hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments and to drive stakes
  • Must have proven experience and expertise with radio detection pipe locators
  • Must be physically fit enough to be on your feet most of the day and at times do moderate to heavy lifting as well as carry equipment and supplies
  • Work week consists of long daily hours and frequently weekends are included
  • Must be able and willing to travel
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather year round
  • Proficient with modern surveying equipment including GPS control networks, coordinate systems, Total Stations, Data Collectors and software
  • Quality field note taking skills would be desirable
  • Works on assignments that are routine to complex in nature
  • Since critical decisions will be made from data that is collected in the field this position must be filled by someone that is well versed or possesses the aptitude to understand the company's Survey Technical Standards and Procedures

About Us
Wood is a global leader in consulting, engineering and operations for the energy and materials sectors. With 33,000 people in around 50 countries, Wood supports clients across the full asset lifecycle, delivering safe, predictable outcomes while enabling resilient operations and a lower carbon future. Wood forms the Energy & Materials pillar of Sidara - a global partnership uniting leading multidisciplinary engineering, design, and project management companies. www.woodgroup.com
Diversity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

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