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Total Station Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

Quanta Services

Field Lead

Chicago, IL

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Chicago, IL

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Geneva, IL · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

West Monroe, LA · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26/hr

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

KEITH

Instrument Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

Instrument Operator KEITH is a multi-disciplined consulting firm looking for an Instrument Operator ... using a Total Station, levels and GPS equipment. * Perform in a leadership capacity organizing ...

Quanta Services

Field Lead

West Monroe, LA

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

West Monroe, LA

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Field Lead

Geneva, IL · On-site

Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets that Total Station operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. * Lays out grids and/or determines horizontal and vertical ...

KEITH

Instrument Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

Instrument Operator KEITH is a multi-disciplined consulting firm looking for an Instrument Operator ... using a Total Station, levels and GPS equipment. * Perform in a leadership capacity organizing ...

IES Residential, Inc.

Trimble Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$35/hr

General Position Overview As a Trimble Operator , you will specialize in performing accurate on ... Proficiency with Trimble hardware (Robotic/Total Stations) and data management. * Excellent ability ...

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How much do total station operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Total Station Operators?

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:
Total Station Operator jobs near you
Surveying Instrument Operator

Surveying Instrument Operator

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)

North Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary:  JMT is seeking a Survey Tech II to be responsible for collection of field surveying data, and operation of specific survey instruments for the field crew.

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Sets up, adjusts, and operates surveying equipment including electronic total station, data collector, and GPS equipment, in order to measure distances, elevations and angles 
  • Perform boundary, topography, ATLA, right of way, and route, control, and construction surveys 
  • Responsible for the operation and maintenance of survey equipment, including electronic data collectors, levels, electronic total station, GPS, and survey vehicles 
  • Record accurate and clear field notes 
  • Document assignments 
  • Collect data using survey equipment 
  • Perform calculations 

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned 

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