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Total Station Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Total Station operator inputs that information into the handheld equipment and uses that to shoot the points in the field • Schedule and manage time to properly support projects • Serve jobsite ...

... Total Station operator inputs that information into the handheld equipment and uses that to shoot the points in the field • Schedule and manage time to properly support projects • Serve jobsite ...

... Total Station operator inputs that information into the handheld equipment and uses that to shoot the points in the field • Schedule and manage time to properly support projects • Serve jobsite ...

Position Summary The Total Station Operator will support the BIM/VDC and Field Support Teams by assisting with layout and field technology applications on construction sites. This role focuses on ...

Pump Station Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $82K/yr

Pump Station Operator employees will be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating ... and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will ...

Pump Station Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $82K/yr

Pump Station Operator employees will be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating ... and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will ...

... station. Properly documents all responses for the alarm in the alarm monitoring software. Verifies ... Total Compensation Package: * Competitive Wages & Paid Time Off * Stock Purchase Plan & 401k with ...

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Total Station Operator information

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$13

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$29

How much do total station operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for total station operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Total Station Operator, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, mathematics, and experience with field data collection, typically supported by a diploma or certificate in surveying or a related field. Familiarity with total station equipment, GPS systems, and computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential, along with knowledge of data processing tools. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make an operator stand out on-site. These skills ensure accurate measurements, efficient workflow, and reliable data critical for successful construction and engineering projects.

What is a total station operator?

Total Station Operators are professionals who use electronic/optical surveying instruments called total stations to measure and record distances, angles, and elevations at construction sites or land surveying projects. Their work is essential for creating accurate site maps, setting out building locations, and ensuring projects are built according to design specifications. They interpret technical drawings, operate the total station equipment, and often collaborate closely with engineers and surveyors. Precision, attention to detail, and technical skills are critical for this role.

What are some typical challenges faced by total station operators on construction sites?

Total Station Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining equipment accuracy, and ensuring clear communication with surveyors, engineers, and construction crews. Adjusting to rapidly changing site conditions and interpreting project plans precisely are also common aspects of the role. Additionally, operators need to be vigilant about safety protocols and data integrity, as small errors can significantly impact project outcomes.

What is the difference between Total Station Operator vs Land Surveyor?

AspectTotal Station OperatorLand Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or diploma in surveying technologyRequires a degree in surveying, geomatics, or related field, often with licensing
Work EnvironmentWorks on-site with equipment, often outdoors at construction or survey sitesWorks both in the field and office, overseeing survey projects and data analysis
Industry UsageCommonly employed in construction, engineering, and surveying firmsEmployed in land development, civil engineering, and government agencies

While both roles involve surveying equipment, the Total Station Operator primarily handles data collection using total stations, whereas the Land Surveyor oversees entire survey projects, including planning, data analysis, and legal boundary determination.

More about Total Station Operator jobs
What states have the most Total Station Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Total Station Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Total Station Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Total Station Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Total Station Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,316 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Total Station Operator

Encore Electric

Fort Collins, CO

$34 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

DEPARTMENT: VIRTUAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (VDC)

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF VIRTUAL CONSTRUCTION & PREFABRICATION

OVERVIEW:

This position uses the Trimble Total Station equipment to locate points on a job site that will be used to construct projects accurately.

Compensation for this role:  $34.00 to $46.00 per hour depending on experience. 

General Responsibilities

• Maintain open communication lines with all working relationships

• Follow up to ensure items for which the job is accountable are performed

• Earn and maintain customer’s trust

• Uphold the core values of the organization

• Work well with others to accomplish the mission of the organization and of the job

Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible for all Total Station tools and equipment

• Keeps up with changing technology

• Shoot points for new construction and remodel projects

o CAD knowledge to input own point files together needed

o Maintain point files in an orderly manner on the computer system

o Using points generated from the CAD file, Total Station operator inputs that information into the handheld equipment and uses that to shoot the points in the field

• Schedule and manage time to properly support projects

• Serve jobsite Superintendent or Foreman as the customer

• Assist craftsmen on understanding of Total Station methods

• Report any discrepancies or inconsistencies back to CAD/BIM and the customer

Other duties as may be assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Robotic Total Station

• CAD/BIM as it relates to shooting points with the Total Station

• Electronic File management

• Constructability and the construction process

• Electrical construction

• Geometry

• Site safety rules

Skill in:

• Acting as a self starter

• Working with little supervision

• Spatial orientation

• Visualizing constructability

• Scheduling and being on time

• Customer management

• Listening

• Speaking intelligently

• Estimating resources needed to complete required tasks

• Adapting to new and changing requirements, environments, and/or information

• Managing processes

• Managing complex projects, breaking them down to their component levels

• Using communication software

• Effective written and oral communication sufficient to be able to elicit and communicate information and achieve understanding

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with customers, management, and employees

• Operating a computer

• Operate Microsoft office products

• Organizing work to accomplish tasks

• Reading and writing

• Prioritizing and reprioritizing to meet job needs

• Identifying and managing risk

• Problem solving/trouble shooting equipment

• Tracking numbers and bits of data relevant to the work assignment

• Reading and interpreting drawings

• Detail oriented

• Precision driven on point layout

Ability to:

• Conceptualize and visualize the project for constructability

• Think on your feet

• See things from multiple perspectives

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

A functional physical is required to be completed and passed before work can be performed in all field positions. The physical requirements can often be completed repetitively and for extended periods of time. These requirements include:

• Driving

• Sitting

• Climbing

• Lifting, floor to chest (up to 50lbs)

• Lifting, floor to waist (up to 50lbs)

• Lifting, waist to overhead (up to 30lbs each arm)

• Carrying (up to 50lbs)

• Standing

• Stooping

• Vision acuity (near, far and without color deficiencies)

• Walking

• Kneeling

• Trimming (final installation of electrical devices)

• Pushing (up to 100lbs)

• Pulling (up to 100lbs)

REQUIREMENTS:

Requires at least 3 years of electrical construction experience including reading and interpreting drawings. Requires a basic understanding of AutoCAD and computer skills and has valid Journeyman’s License.

Benefits of this role:  

  • Encore Electric provides excellent benefits for our employees, including: medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, and life insurance, employee-matched 401(k), paid time off (PTO), an employee assistance program that includes counseling, legal, and financial advice.
  • Encore also provides a generous employee referral program, and access to technical, safety, personal finance, and leadership training through Encore University, Encore’s in house training program.

Applications will close for this position on:    September 1, 2026 or until role has been successfully filled.  

For questions regarding this role, please contact: recruiting@encoreelectric.com 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please contact HR@EncoreElectric.com. 

Encore Electric, Inc. is an EOE, including disability/vets.