Survey Equipment Operator

VHB; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Recognition programs

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

VHB is seeking a Survey Equipment Operator to join our Survey/Geomatics team in Williamsburg or Richmond, Virginia. You will support boundary, topographic, utility, and construction stakeout surveys, operating and maintaining field equipment, collecting accurate data, and contributing to high-quality project delivery.

This outdoor role offers hands-on learning with Robotic total stations, RTK GPS, data collectors, and related instruments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0-1+ year surveying equipment experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight (<15%).
• Able to lift up to 75 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate and transport Robotic total stations, data collectors, GPS and other surveying gear.
• Conduct boundary, topographic, construction stakeout and utility surveys.
• Recover markers using hand tools and digging as needed.
• Set stakes for proposed improvements using hand tools.
• Maintain surveying equipment and document field notes.

Skills

Reading drawings

GPS basics

Robotic instruments

Geometry & trigonometry

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RTK GPS

Total station

Levels

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is seeking a Survey Equipment Operator to join our Survey/Geomatics team in Williamsburg or Richmond, Virginia. In this role, you will support a variety of survey projects, including boundary, topographic, utility, and construction stakeout surveys. You will work alongside experienced survey professionals, operate and maintain field equipment, collect accurate data, and contribute to high-quality project delivery. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, learning new technical skills, and being part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Operation, transport and setup of Robotic total stations, data collectors, GPS, and other land surveying equipment
• Land surveying including boundary line, topographic survey, construction stakeout and utility surveys
• Reconnaissance and recovery of land surveying markers through use of hand tools and digging
• Construction stakeout of proposed improvements, including installation of stakes through use of sledgehammers and hand tools
• Operation and maintenance of surveying equipment
• Documenting all phases of survey work through clear field notes and data collection

Skills And Attributes

• Proficient in reading, understanding, and evaluating the significance of survey, right-of-way, engineering, and architectural drawings with respect to each survey project
• Ability to learn the proper use of GPS equipment and Robotic Instruments and mathematical concepts such as fundamentals of geometry and trigonometry
• Ability to learn and understand the basics of boundary, topographic, construction, and utility surveys
• Able to think critically
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with survey staff and clients

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 0-1+ year of experience using standard survey equipment (i.e. RTK GPS, total station, levels)
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be willing to travel and stay overnight for assignments outside local area (anticipated to be less than 15% of assignments)
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.

The full-time hourly range for this position, located in Virginia is $19/hr. to $26/hr. The base hourly rate offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program. Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience , including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs. Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist.

Building What’s Next, Together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When You Join VHB, You’ll Find

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.