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Survey Rod Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform duties of a Rod Person and/or Instrument Person on a direct-hire survey crew; operates the survey instrument(s), rod, staff, GNSS rover, and other survey implements as required in accordance ...

Perform duties of a Rod Person and/or Instrument Person on a direct-hire survey crew; operates the survey instrument(s), rod, staff, GNSS rover, and other survey implements as required in accordance ...

Instrument Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... rod person (new team members) on proper survey procedures and operation of equipment • Assist Party Chief as needed with daily operations including review of project related drawings • Complete ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Survey Field Technician I (Rod Person) . If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live work ...

Survey Field Technician I

Tampa, FL

$18 - $24.50/hr

A Survey Field Technician I loads and unloads equipment from truck and carries equipment to job ... High School/GED or equivalent preferred, specialized training from a vo-tech school or Rod person ...

Survey Field Technician I

Wilmington, NC

$16.75 - $23/hr

A Survey Field Technician I loads and unloads equipment from truck and carries equipment to job ... High School/GED or equivalent preferred, specialized training from a vo-tech school or Rod person ...

Survey Field Technician I

Greenville, SC · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

A Survey Field Technician I loads and unloads equipment from truck and carries equipment to job ... High School/GED or equivalent preferred, specialized training from a vo-tech school or Rod person ...

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Survey Rod Person information

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$14

$24

$32

How much do survey rod person jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey rod person in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Survey Rod Person in the field, and how can they be managed?

Survey Rod Persons often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain, which can present physical and environmental challenges. Staying organized and communicating effectively with the survey crew is essential, as accurate measurements depend on teamwork and attention to detail. To manage these challenges, it’s important to use proper safety equipment, maintain situational awareness, and be proactive in addressing obstacles such as uneven ground or equipment malfunctions. Training and experience will help you adapt to different site conditions and improve your efficiency on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Survey Rod Person, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Rod Person, you need a basic understanding of surveying principles, good mathematics skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with survey equipment such as rods, levels, total stations, and GPS systems is typically required, and on-the-job training or safety certifications are common. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accuracy and collaboration in the field. These skills are crucial for collecting precise measurements that support successful engineering, construction, and land development projects.

What are Survey Rod Persons and what do they do?

A Survey Rod Person, also known as a rodman, is a key member of a surveying crew responsible for holding and positioning measuring rods or targets used for determining distances, elevations, and land boundaries. They assist the surveyor by marking locations, taking precise measurements, and helping to set up and move survey equipment at job sites. Their work supports projects such as construction, land development, and mapping, ensuring accurate data collection for engineers and planners.

What is the difference between Survey Rod Person vs Survey Party Chief?

AspectSurvey Rod PersonSurvey Party Chief
CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic surveying trainingAdvanced certifications, leadership training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site, often in remote areasOutdoor and office, overseeing survey operations
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with measurements, holding survey rodsPlanning surveys, managing team, ensuring accuracy

The Survey Rod Person primarily assists survey teams by holding survey rods and recording measurements, requiring basic training. In contrast, the Survey Party Chief manages the entire survey crew, plans survey activities, and ensures data accuracy. While both roles work outdoors in similar environments, the Party Chief holds more responsibilities and often has advanced certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on experience and career goals.

More about Survey Rod Person jobs
What states have the most Survey Rod Person jobs? States with the most job openings for Survey Rod Person jobs include:
Infographic showing various Survey Rod Person job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,042 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Survey Personnel-Party Chief, Instrument Person, Rod person

Hoffman Layout & Modeling

Claude, TX • On-site

$42 - $47/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is for Survey Party Chiefs, Instrument & rodman/chainman personnel. Layout Field Technician for large scale, fast paced, high tech construction project.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsibilities include layout and as-built locations of extensive underground utility network, structural QA/QC
  • Building layout
  • Precision control network using Leica Total stations and building levels.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

  • Work can vary from outdoors to indoors, thus the employee will be subject to various weather conditions

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Standing/Walking: Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Legs: Must be able to climb stairs - 5% of day 
  • Hands (repetitive grasping): Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Hands (pushing and pulling): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Hands (fine manipulation): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Vision: Visual acuity in near, mid and far range vision. Color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, hand/eye coordination 
  • Hearing: Sufficient to hear conversational levels in person and over the telephone and radio; sufficient to hear alarms on equipment 
  • Speech: Sufficient to make oneself heard in person, speak in front of groups, and be understood over the telephone and radio 
  • Climbing (stairs and ladders): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to at least 40lbs- Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Lift Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Reaching Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Bending/Twisting (neck and back): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Knee Stand: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Squatting/ Kneeling: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Must be able to wear fall protection equipment and physically able to climb ladders and scaffolds

MENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Constant mental alertness, accuracy, and attention to detail required 
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team, make decisions, and follow through on all assignments 
  • Must use creativity, independent judgment, and organizational and problem-solving skills to determine best method to accomplish desired results 
  • Must be able to plan and organize work 
  • Must possess strong organizational and computer use skills and have a high level of competency to read/write/speak English, interpret construction related documentation and communicate with coworkers 
  • Must possess strong mathematical skills, calculate proper dimensions of components, read blueprints, manuals, and communicate with coworkers.
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Work in a safe manner in compliance with Hoffman's Safety Policy.
  • Must be reliable and Must be able to read a tape measure

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be reliable: show up on time and ready to work for scheduled shift

Application review will consider without limitation the following criteria: Union membership qualifications, education and experience specific to the job description/duties as well as prior experience with Hoffman Layout & Modeling. Applicants must be able to pass the Hoffman Drug and Alcohol test.

Hoffman Layout & Modeling is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the employee of this job. Furthermore, this description is subject to change at the discretion of the company, with or without notice.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro