Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

Company; Williamsburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Civil Resources is seeking a Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator to work on field surveys, including control, topography, and pipeline projects. Travel to multiple job sites will be required, and familiarity with surveying techniques is essential.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and accurate data collection, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and support field and office duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school education required; math, geometry and trigonometry background helpful.
• Land surveying experience preferred for field roles.
• Knowledge of surveying instruments and measurement data collection.

Responsibilities

• Perform field surveys for control, topographic, and pipeline projects.
• Operate total stations, GPS and data collectors; document readings accurately.
• Read and interpret engineering plans; manage multiple projects safely in field.
• Lead or assist crew in staking, marking, and data recording; maintain field records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Reliability

Travel daily

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Total stations

GPS receivers

Data collectors

Job description

About This Role

Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.

Responsibilities

• Work in group environments
• Work within defined project scopes and budgets
• Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times
• Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan
• Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards
• Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities
• Take field notes of readings and observations
• Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment
• Know and perform field principles of staking and marking
• Perform other related field and office duties as assigned
• Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew
• Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight
• Reads and understands plans and specifications
• Know basic sources of measurement errors
• Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments
• Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances
• Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects
• Provide solutions to civil site design challenges
• Topographical surveys
• Boundary surveys
• Well connect pipelines surveys
• Pipeline route staking
• Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area

Qualifications

EDUCATION

A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.

EXPERIENCE

Land Surveying experience

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
• Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
• Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
• Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES

• Must be able and willing to travel daily.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.
• Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather
• Must have Reliable Transportation
• Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Valid driver’s license with insurable record
• CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:

• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain
• Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time
• Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed
• Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally
• Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs
• Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan

About Us

Cardinal Civil Resources (“CCR”) is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.

EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.