Survey Technician/Instrument Operator

SAM; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development programs

Job summary

Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is hiring a Field Survey Crew Member in Michigan. You will support field crews with boundary, topographic, and construction surveys using robotic total stations, GNSS, and scanners. You’ll record precise field notes and assist crews under a Crew Chief’s supervision.

Travel to job sites and perform data collection in various outdoor environments year-round. Valid driver’s license, survey knowledge, and a proactive safety mindset are essential for success at SAM.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards.
• Previous industry experience preferred.
• Minimum knowledge of land surveying practices and basic surveys, computations, and field operations.
• Able to work outdoors year-round in all types of weather conditions and environments.
• Available to travel/stay out of town for work as needed.

Responsibilities

• Use a variety of land survey instruments to support field crews gathering data for boundary, topographic and construction layout surveys.
• Assist in completion of field surveys under supervision of a Crew Chief; communicate progress and address problems.
• Operate land survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, data radios/modems, terrestrial 3D laser scanners, levels.
• Utilize survey controllers and software to collect geospatial data and perform survey computations.
• Read and interpret maps and plans; maintain neat field notes with accurate measurements.
• Load/unload trucks with survey equipment and supplies; clean and maintain gear and vehicle.
• Follow company safety procedures and practices.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Outdoor work in all weather

Travel to job sites

Land surveying fundamentals

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Robotic total stations

GNSS receivers

Terrestrial 3D laser scanners

Survey controllers/software

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Your Impact at SAM

• Use a variety of land survey instruments to support a field crew in their daily operations to gather data for various surveys including boundary, topographic, and construction layout
• Assist in completion of field surveys under the supervision of a Crew Chief; communicate progress and address problems
• Operate land survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, data radios/modems, terrestrial 3D laser scanners, automatic and digital levels
• Utilize survey controllers and software to collect geospatial data and perform survey computations
• Read and interpret various types of maps and plans
• Complete neat and orderly field notes with accurate measurements for land survey operations with supervision from Crew Chief
• Load and unload trucks with land survey equipment and supplies
• Clean and maintain land survey equipment, tools, and vehicle
• Follow company safety procedures, policies, and practices

What You Bring to SAM

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards.
• Previous industry experience preferred
• Minimum knowledge of land surveying practices and performance of basic types of surveys, mathematical computations, and field operations
• Able to work outdoors year-round in all types of weather conditions and environments
• Available to travel/stay out of town for work as needed

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms