Instrument Operator

R. Joe Harris & Associates, Inc.; Fort Mill (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

R. Joe Harris & Associates, Inc. seeks an Instrument Operator to join our surveying team in Fort Mill, SC. You will support field surveys and work closely with survey crew chiefs and office staff to deliver accurate, high-quality results.

You’ll operate total stations, GPS receivers and data collectors, collect field data, and help with project setup and equipment management. The role offers hands-on experience with modern surveying technology on diverse land development projects.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of land surveying principles.
• Familiarity with GPS receivers, total stations, and robotic total stations.
• Experience with Trimble and Carlson data collectors preferred.
• Strong math skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field surveys including topographic surveys, boundary surveys, location/design surveys, construction staking, and as-built surveys.
• Operate surveying instruments including total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors (Trimble, Carlson).
• Collect accurate field data and ensure proper documentation for project deliverables.
• Support the survey crew chief with project setup, data transfer, and equipment management.

Skills

Land surveying basics

GPS receivers

Total stations

Robotic total stations

Data collection

Tools

Trimble

Carlson

Job description

R. Joe Harris & Associates, Inc. is seeking a dependable and motivated Instrument Operator to join our surveying team. This role is key to supporting field operations, working closely with survey crew chiefs, office survey staff, and clients to deliver accurate, high-quality results.

What You'll Do

• Assist with field surveys including topographic surveys, boundary surveys, location/design surveys, construction staking, and as-built surveys.
• Operate surveying instruments including total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors (Trimble, Carlson).
• Collect accurate field data and ensure proper documentation for project deliverables.
• Support the survey crew chief with project setup, data transfer, and equipment management.

What We’re Looking For

• Basic understanding of land surveying principles.
• Familiarity with GPS receivers, total stations, and robotic total stations.
• Experience with Trimble and Carlson data collectors preferred.
• Strong math skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively in a team environment.

Why Join Us

• Gain hands-on experience with modern surveying technology.
• Work on a variety of land development and civil site projects.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities to learn and grow professionally.
• Competitive pay based on experience and full benefits package (health insurance, PTO, and more).

Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visas. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.