Survey Instrument Operator

ESP Associates, Inc.; Hendersonville (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

PTO & 10 paid holidays

Volunteer Time Off

Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

Teladoc Behavioral Medicine

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Job summary

ESP Associates, Inc. seeks a Survey Instrument Operator to join our Hendersonville, NC team. You will operate conventional, robotic, and GPS surveying equipment in the field, collect survey data, and complete daily field documentation.

This role supports route surveying, SUE, and utility mapping as part of a multidisciplinary firm across engineering, surveying, planning, and geosciences. Travel and outdoor work are required.

Qualifications

• Land surveying experience preferred.
• Knowledge of conventional, robotic, and GPS surveying functions (static, RTK, VRS).
• Experience with Trimble data collection, GPS receivers, and robotic total stations required.
• Route surveying, SUE, and utility mapping experience a plus.
• Knowledge of Excel, navigation programs, and Trimble Data Transfer a plus.
• Willingness to travel; outdoor environment.
• Drug screen, background check, and driving record requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate conventional, robotic, and GPS survey equipment including RTK and VRS.
• Collect field data using Trimble devices and robotic total stations.
• Support route surveying, SUE, and utility mapping projects as needed.
• Download and submit daily field data files.
• Prepare and organize field sketches and digital photographs.
• Complete daily checklists, timesheets, and vehicle navigation.

Skills

Land surveying experience

Travel readiness

Tools

Trimble data collection

GPS receivers

Robotic total stations

Microsoft Excel

Navigation programs

Trimble Data Transfer

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Survey Instrument Operator

PWR-ESP-GR-HD Regular Full-Time Hendersonville, NC, US

Celebrating 40 years of success and continual growth, ESP Associates is currently seeking a Survey Instrument Operator to join our team in Hendersonville, NC.

We’re proud to offer more than a place to build your career; we offer a team you can be part of. Our multidisciplinary environment brings together professionals across engineering, surveying, planning, environmental, geosciences, SUE, and CEI, with plenty of opportunities to connect beyond the workday. From team outings and volunteer events to company-wide step challenges, summer celebrations, and friendly competitions, there’s always an opportunity to get involved, get to know your coworkers, and have a little fun along the way!

As a Survey Instrument Operator, you will be responsible for operating conventional, robotic, and GPS survey equipment in the field, collecting survey data, and completing daily field documentation. This is an immediate opportunity for a survey professional to further their career within a dynamic and growing Engineering, Surveying and Planning firm.

Responsibilities:

• Operate conventional, robotic, and GPS survey equipment, including static, fast static, RTK, and VRS functions.
• Collect field data using Trimble data collection equipment, GPS receivers, and robotic total stations.
• Support route surveying, SUE, and utility mapping projects as needed.
• Download and submit daily field data files.
• Prepare and organize field sketches and digital photographs.
• Complete daily checklists, timesheets, and vehicle navigation.

Qualifications:

• Land surveying experience preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of conventional, robotic, and GPS surveying functions, including static, fast static, RTK, and VRS.
• Experience with Trimble data collection, GPS receivers, and robotic total stations required.
• Route surveying, SUE, and utility mapping experience a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, navigation programs, and Trimble Data Transfer a plus.
• Position includes some out-of-town travel; meal per diem and lodging are provided. Must be able to travel as needed.
• This position is subject to outdoor environmental conditions.
• Candidate must be able to pass a drug screen, background check, and have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the company’s driving (MVR) policy.

Corporate Information:

ESP is a multi-discipline engineering design and consulting firm providing our clients with civil engineering, surveying, planning/landscape architecture, geosciences, environmental, subsurface utility engineering, and construction engineering inspection.

Through years of dedicated service to our clients, ESP has received a designation of 186 on the 2026 ENR Top 500 Design Firm rankings. For the firm’s primary territory, the ENR Texas & Southeast Top Design Firms, ESP received a 2026 ranking of 53.

ESP offers an excellent employee benefits package including:

• Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews and discretionary annual bonuses
• 401(k) (Traditional & Roth plans) with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% (eligibility after 60 days)
• PTO (Paid Time Off) & 10 Paid Holidays
• VTO (Volunteer Time Off) of 4 hours each year (prorated during first year based on hire date)
• Tiered Health, Vision & Dental Insurance Options (eligibility after 30 days)
• Behavioral Medicine through Teladoc
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (Employer paid)