Survey Instrument Operator

Woolpert; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place to Work

Flexible PTO

Career development

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Fitness reimbursement

Job summary

Woolpert in Houston, TX is seeking a mid-level Survey Instrument Operator to join our Survey & Geomatics team. You will operate advanced survey instruments, perform field calculations, and support data management while ensuring accuracy and safety at job sites across Texas.

The role requires 4+ years in land surveying, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to travel up to 75%. Proficiency with total stations, GNSS, and CAD/GIS is valued; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; OSHA certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 4+ years of land surveying experience.
• Must be physically capable of outdoor work and long travel across Texas.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans and drawings.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory MVR/background checks.

Responsibilities

• Follow Crew Chief instructions and survey procedures.
• Operate and maintain total stations, GNSS equipment, levels and data collectors.
• Lead setup/breakdown of survey equipment at sites.
• Collect and verify field data and maintain accurate notes.
• Assist with data transfer and preliminary processing.
• Troubleshoot survey instruments and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Surveying experience

Data collection

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Total stations

GNSS equipment

CAD/GIS (basic)

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work ® , Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Position Overview:

Woolpert is hiring a Survey Instrument Operator to join our dynamic Survey & Geomatics team in Houston, TX!
The Survey Instrument Operator is a mid-level position responsible for performing advanced land survey tasks under the supervision of the Survey Crew Chief. This role involves operating sophisticated survey instruments, ensuring data accuracy, and providing technical support to the survey team. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of survey principles and practices, strong technical skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in computer use for data management and analysis is essential.
Reads maps and construction drawings. Supports Crew Chief by performing job assignments such as field calculations, assisting in boundary monument recovery, brush clearing, topographic surveying, utility inventories, establishment of geodetic control, photo / lidar control, etc. Monitors conditions of equipment and reports repair needs as necessary. Records field data in electronic data collector. Downloads electronic data and logs downloads. Loads and unloads equipment from survey vehicle daily. Maintains survey equipment including electronic total stations, GNSS units, antenna, radios, cables, batteries, modems, tripods, rods, levels, generators, traffic control devices, etc.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do

• Follow instructions from the Survey Crew Chief and adhere to established survey procedures and safety guidelines.
• Must be able to work with survey-related mathematical concepts (proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, slope, elevations, coordinates, etc.).
• Operate and maintain advanced survey instruments, including total stations, GNSS equipment, levels, and data collectors.
• Lead the setup and breakdown of survey equipment at job sites.
• Collect and verify accurate field data for various types of surveys.
• Record detailed and precise field notes, sketches, and reports.
• Follow and enforce established survey procedures and safety guidelines.
• Transport, clean, and store survey equipment and tools, ensuring they are in good working condition.
• Assist with data transfer from field instruments to office computers and perform preliminary data processing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to survey instruments and data collection.
• Train and mentor junior survey staff and assist the Survey Crew Chief in team coordination.
• Communicate effectively with team members, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and accurate completion of projects.

What You Will Bring

• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and applicable OSHA certifications.
• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in land surveying or a related field.
• Must be mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties required of the position.
• Must have average communication skills, both verbal and written and be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Must be able to travel frequently and extensively, overnight and/or out of town.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and construction drawings.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• CPU literate: Proficient computer skills, including data transfer, data processing software, and basic CAD/GIS applications.
• Must have valid driver’s license and pass a pre-employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. Must maintain satisfactory driving record, as required by our insurance company.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment background and drug screening. Periodic drug testing may be required per company policy.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms, bend and climb and/or balance.
• Ability to use tools, and equipment. For instance, Tape measure, cloth / steel tape, machete, hammer.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Must have vision abilities of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments, often in remote and rugged locations.
• Exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Physical demands include standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and carrying equipment.

Travel & Schedule

• The role typically works a Monday through Friday Schedule.
• This position will primarily support projects throughout Texas and requires up to 75% travel.
• Occasional extended travel throughout the United States as project needs require.

Survey Instrument Operator positions may lead to advancement opportunities within the surveying department, including roles such as Survey Crew Chief, Senior Survey Crew Chief and Survey CAD Technician with additional training and experience. This job description outlines the responsibilities and qualifications for a mid-level Survey Instrument Operator, emphasizing advanced technical skills and a focus on advancement and learning opportunities while shadowing a Crew Chief.

Benefits You Will Love

• Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you’ll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:
• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!
  #LI-KA1
  #LI-Onsite

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement .

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting your Recruiter