Survey Instrument Operator

Dewberry Engineers Incorporated; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an experienced Land Survey Instrument Operator in Danville, VA. The role involves assisting in various types of surveys and requires proficiency with survey equipment like Trimble and GPS. Candidates should possess good mathematical skills, a high school diploma, and the ability to work outdoors in all conditions. This position offers advancement opportunities for a motivated individual willing to grow alongside evolving skills and technology.

Qualifications

• One to two years of experience in land surveying.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime and travel.

Responsibilities

• Assist the field supervisor with daily crew workload.
• Supervise the crew in the absence of the crew chief.
• Operate survey equipment and care for instrumentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Good mathematical skills

Dependability

Strong work ethic

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Trimble

GPS equipment

Robotics

Total stations

Data collectors

EFB

TDS Survey Pro

Leica Survey Controller

Job description

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Dewberry is currently seeking an experienced Land Survey Instrument Operator in the Danville, VA area. The applicant must be responsible, highly motivated, detail oriented, and able to work as a key member of a survey crew. The role includes assisting in boundary, ALTA, topographic, right‑of‑way acquisition, transmission line, and construction surveys using the latest equipment and surveying technology, with the ability to supervise the crew or work independently as needed. The position offers advancement opportunities for a motivated individual willing to grow with evolving skills and technology.

Responsibilities

• Assist the field supervisor with all aspects of the daily crew workload.
• Work in a safe manner and obey all safety regulations.
• Supervise the survey crew in the absence of the crew chief.
• Work independently as a one‑person crew as required.
• Upload and download data to and from data collectors daily.
• Operate survey total stations, data collectors, and levels.
• Care for and charge instrumentation daily.
• Continuously advance knowledge with upgrades in technology.

Required Skills & Experience

• One to two years of experience.
• High School Diploma (minimum).
• Good mathematical skills.
• Proficient with Trimble and other survey equipment (GPS, robotics, total stations, levels, data collectors).
• Proficient with EFB, TDS Survey Pro, and Leica Survey Controller data collection software (preferred).
• Good communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a driving record check.
• Ability to pass a drug test.
• Dependability and strong work ethic.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance is a plus.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and terrains.
• Capability to repeatedly stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat, and lift up to 50 lbs; stand for long periods on varied surfaces.
• Willingness to work overtime and travel for out‑of‑town assignments.

We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement as they may still be the right fit for this or other opportunities.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates recruiters with a valid Dewberry‑approved written agreement. We do not compensate unsolicited recruiters.

Work Authorization: At this time, we will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Background Screening: Only recipients of a job offer will be required to submit to background screening, which may include employment verification, educational verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and consumer reports, conducted in compliance with applicable law.