Instrument Man

Paycom - ATS; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Allies LLC in Houston, TX is seeking a Survey Instrument Man to operate survey equipment and support construction layout under the Party Chief’s direction. Drone and model-building skills are preferred.

Responsibilities include instrument setup, data collection, stakeout, and data transfer following company procedures. Applicants should have 2+ years of field survey experience with GNSS/total stations, strong attention to detail, and the ability to travel to Houston-area sites.

Qualifications

• Typically 2+ years of field survey experience or equivalent.
• Ability to read basic civil plans and field sketches.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate survey instruments accurately.

Responsibilities

• Set up, center, level, and operate total stations, GNSS, levels, and data collectors.
• Verify project settings, control points, backsights, and instrument heights.
• Collect and code topographic, control, boundary, and as-built observations.
• Perform stakeout and elevation checks from plans under the Party Chief’s direction.
• Check measurements, report discrepancies, and maintain clear records.
• Load correct files, back up data, and protect original field records.
• Support drone operations per training and company policy; assist with model prep.

Skills

Instrument setup and operation

GNSS / total stations

Data collection and record keeping

Attention to detail

Team communication

Tools

Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

Carlson

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Environmental Allies LLC - Houston, TX, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $22.00 - $28.00Hourly

Environmental Allies seeks a Survey Instrument Man to operate survey equipment, collect reliable measurements, and support construction layout and other field assignments under the Party Chief’s direction. This role requires dependable instrument setup, careful data collection, and the judgment to identify and report inconsistencies. Drone and model-building skills are preferred.

Essential responsibilities

• Set up, center, level, and operate robotic or conventional total stations, GNSS receivers, levels, and data collectors. Perform routine instrument checks and report equipment problems.
• Verify project settings, control points, backsights, instrument and antenna heights, prism settings, and measurement units before collecting data or performing stakeout.
• Collect and code topographic, control, boundary support, and as-built observations. Take complete field notes and record sufficient information for the office team to understand the work.
• Perform construction stakeout and elevation checks from approved field files and plans under the Party Chief’s direction. Confirm point identity, offsets, and cut or fill information.
• Check measurements against known control and repeat questionable observations. Promptly report discrepancies, missing information, equipment movement, and conditions that may affect accuracy.
• Review and load the correct point, linework, and surface files; confirm the current revision. Transfer and back up data using company procedures and protect original field records.
• Assist with model preparation or review when qualified, including point cleanup, breaklines, surface checks, and field verification. Refer design questions and model conflicts to the Party Chief.
• Support drone operations through ground control, check points, site setup, and data handling when assigned. Perform flight duties only within training, FAA requirements, and company authorization.
• Guide the Rod Man on setup and measurement tasks; coordinate clearly with the crew. Maintain equipment, batteries, supplies, and vehicle organization; follow site safety requirements and record all time worked.

Qualifications: Required qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate survey instruments accurately; typically 2 or more years of field survey experience, or equivalent demonstrated capability.
• Working knowledge of GNSS, total stations, levels, and data collectors, including control checks, backsights, instrument heights, coding, and stakeout.
• Ability to read basic civil plans and field sketches, apply survey math, follow procedures, and maintain clear and accurate records.
• Dependable attendance, clear crew communication, attention to detail, and willingness to ask for clarification before questionable data is used.
• Ability to travel to assigned Houston-area sites. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements when operating company vehicles.

Preferred qualifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current aeronautical knowledge recency, drone mapping experience, or interest in obtaining certification. Experience building or checking terrain, design surface, or machine-control models in Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Carlson, or comparable software is preferred. Survey Technician certification or relevant coursework is helpful.

Schedule and physical demands

Work is performed in person at Houston-area project sites. Early starts, overtime, and occasional weekend work may be needed based on project schedules and weather.

Essential duties involve working outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and changing weather; walking and standing on uneven terrain; bending and kneeling; and carrying, positioning, and operating survey equipment and supplies. Work may occur near traffic and active construction. Use required personal protective equipment and safe lifting methods. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and performance

Starting pay is based on relevant experience and demonstrated skills. This position is structured as hourly and nonexempt, with overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Record all time worked accurately. Overtime hours are not guaranteed.

Success means repeatable measurements, verified instrument setups, correct project files and point coding, complete data handoffs, and early identification of errors. The role provides experience relevant to future Party Chief responsibilities.

Equal opportunity employer

Environmental Allies is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process and employment.

This description identifies the primary duties and qualifications of the role. Related duties may be assigned as business needs change. It does not create an employment contract.