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Survey Rodman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Our team is looking for a motivated Rodman / Survey Helper to transport and set up the instruments and equipment associated with surveying land and preparing job sites for surveys. To succeed, you ...

Survey Instrument Person (Rodman)-Virginia Beach The Survey Instrument Person will carry out a range of surveying assignments and assist the Survey Party Chief as directed to conduct land surveys of ...

Survey Rodman information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$16

$19

How much do survey rodman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey rodman in Virginia is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey rodman?

A survey rodman transports and sets up the equipment necessary to survey land and prepare a job site. The rodman also loads vehicles before heading out to the construction site. Your responsibilities in this career include marking the legal boundaries of a job site, cleaning out the area of trees or debris, and setting up the necessary measuring instrument. You hold the prism pole so the surveyor can determine elevation at different points along the site. Other duties include creating a map of the construction site and using GPS or other technology to help the surveyor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey rodman, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Rodman, you need a basic understanding of surveying principles, strong mathematical skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with survey equipment such as total stations, GPS units, and data collectors is important, and OSHA safety training is often required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for success in the field. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe work practices, and efficient support for the survey crew.

What are some common challenges survey rodmen face in the field, and how can they best prepare for them?

Survey Rodmen often encounter challenging outdoor conditions such as rough terrain, extreme weather, and long hours on their feet. They may also need to carry and set up heavy equipment precisely, sometimes in remote or busy construction sites. To prepare, it's helpful to wear appropriate clothing and safety gear, develop good physical stamina, and maintain clear communication with the survey crew to ensure accurate data collection and safety. Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of surveying tools can also help minimize on-site issues.

What is the difference between Survey Rodman vs Survey Technician?

AspectSurvey RodmanSurvey Technician
CertificationsTypically requires basic survey training or certificationOften requires additional certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site at construction or land development projectsSimilar outdoor environment, may involve more technical tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists survey crews by setting up equipment and marking locationsOperates survey instruments, collects data, and assists in data processing

Survey Rodmen primarily assist survey crews by setting up equipment and marking locations, while Survey Technicians handle more technical tasks like operating survey instruments and processing data. Both roles work outdoors in similar environments, but Survey Technicians typically require more advanced skills and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Survey Rodman jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Survey Rodman jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Survey Rodman jobs in Virginia?

For Survey Rodman jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Survey Rodman job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,699 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Rodman

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

MEB General Contractors
51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Brief.
Our team is looking for a motivated Rodman / Survey Helper to transport and set up the instruments and equipment associated with surveying land and preparing job sites for surveys. To succeed, you must ensure you are striving to support MEB's core values every day and that quality, health, and safety standards are your top priority.
If you are interested in further developing your surveying experience and want to be part of a team that will support your professional growth, then we'd like to meet you!
Core Areas of Responsibility.
  • Transport, operate, and maintain survey equipment: Safely load, unload, and position instruments, tripods, and other equipment needed for land surveying activities. Operate tools such as total stations, GPS receivers, and levels under supervision. Assist with troubleshooting basic issues and ensure equipment is well-maintained and calibrated for accurate performance.
  • Prepare job sites: Clear brush, trees, and other obstructions along the survey line to create a clear path for measurements and operations. Maintain safety and organization at the worksite.
  • Lay out and stake survey points: Place stakes and markers to define boundaries, elevation points, and other references. Verify placement accuracy and assist in interpreting layout instructions.
  • Hold and stabilize prism poles: Maintain a steady position for prism poles to support the surveyor in collecting accurate elevation and positional data. Communicate effectively to ensure smooth operations.
  • Measure distances and angles: Assist in measuring horizontal and vertical distances between points using tape measures, range finders, or other tools. Ensure data accuracy and assist in recording results.
  • Contribute to diverse survey tasks: Assist with boundary surveys, construction staking, topographic surveys, and as-built measurements under the direction of the survey team.
  • Promote safety and efficiency: Adhere to safety protocols and help maintain a hazard-free work environment. Report any potential risks or equipment issues to supervisors promptly.

Skills You Possess.
  • Able work in all types of environments and conditions, and perform heavy lifting (in excess of 50 lbs.) for an 8 - 10-hour workday.
  • The ability to comprehend and follow specific instructions.
  • Interpersonal competencies that include a drive for results, effective oral communication skills, organization, planning, trust, respect, being dependable and cooperation.
  • Good housekeeping standards and ability to observe safety procedures and report any potentially unsafe conditions to management.
  • If assigned to a government project, US citizenship and clear background check may be required.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from jobsites every workday.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.