Instrument Operator

PS&S; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Life insurance

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Job summary

PS&S is seeking an Instrument Operator for our Raleigh, NC office to support survey crews on civil, transportation, and site-development projects. The role emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, problem solving, and delivering high-quality data for engineering design.

The position requires experience with survey instruments, data collectors, and field operations. OSHA 10-hour certification and a valid driver’s license are preferred, with opportunities for long-term growth within surveying.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of land surveying or related fieldwork.
• Familiarity with modern survey instruments and data collectors.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and unrestricted driving record.
• OSHA 10-hour certification.
• Interest in long-term career growth within surveying.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating field activities and maintain survey equipment.
• Work across boundary, topographic, physical, and construction stake-out surveys.
• Operate field equipment (total stations, data collectors) and provide front-end locations.
• May supervise field crew daily operations of surveys and layouts.
• Perform field calculations, note-taking, and quality checks for data accuracy.
• Set up, break down, and transport equipment safely.
• Follow safety protocols and contribute to safe field operations.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Outdoor work ability

Flexible hours/overtime

Valid driver’s license

OSHA 10-hour certification

Field surveying experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Nikon-Carlson GPS

Topcon Total Stations

TDS Data Collectors

Job description

Overview

PS&S is an award winning "one-stop shop” of architecture and engineering excellence, which was established in 1962. The depth and breadth of our expertise has helped PS&S grow into a firm offering multi-disciplined, full-service architecture, engineering, design, environmental and surveying consulting services. PS&S recently acquired Priest, Craven & Associates, a well-respected Raleigh firm and are looking to continue to grow in the Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle market.

Position Summary

Our Raleigh, North Carolina office is seeking a motivated Instrument Operator to support survey crews on a range of civil, transportation, and site-development projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on fieldwork, problem‑solving, and contributing to high‑quality data collection that drives engineering design.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of field activities, including the effective operations, performance, and maintenance of all survey equipment.
• Possess field experience in all types of land surveying, including boundary, topographic, physical, and construction stake-out, along with a history in data collection and instrument operations.
• Operate field equipment such as conventional total stations and data collectors, providing front‑end locations and stakeouts, and providing support to tasks assigned by the Party Chief.
• May oversee a field crew's daily operations of all field activities including boundary, topographic and as built surveys, and construction layout.
• Perform field calculations, note‑taking, and quality checks to ensure accurate data
• Set up, break down, and transport equipment safely
• Follow firm safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safe field operations
• Perform all other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications And Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-3 years of experience in land surveying or related fieldwork
• Familiarity with modern survey instruments and data collectors
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license unrestricted driving record
• OSHA 10-hour certification
• Interest in long‑term career growth within surveying
• Willingness to work flexible hours and overtime as needed.
• Physical ability to work outdoors on project sites that may extend several miles, carry equipment, and walk throughout the day.
• Experience with Nikon- Carlson GPS
• Experience with Topcon Total Stations, and TDS Data Collectors a plus.
• Working knowledge of Static and RTK GPS desired but not required.

What We Offer

• We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our career mapping, ongoing training, and career development program.
• We foster an up-beat, creative, and fun environment.
• We offer exposure to diverse project types, cross-team collaboration, and opportunities to grow your technical skills.
• We offer competitive compensation along with an expansive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision benefits, life insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.
• No recruiters or agencies please.
• Candidates must be based in the United States and must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for current or future sponsorship.

PS&S, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Together we are committed to building and supporting a culture where differences and inclusion are welcomed, embraced, and valued. We look to continually diversify our team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.