Survey Technician/Instrument Operator - Entry Level

Gdbgeospatial; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plans

Vision coverage

Long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Cellphone stipend

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is hiring for an entry-level field technician who will support survey crews in boundary, topographic, and construction layout tasks. You will learn to operate robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, and laser scanners while working outdoors in varied weather conditions.

No prior surveying experience is required—just a willingness to learn, a strong interest in civil engineering, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• No prior surveying experience needed – willingness to learn and work outdoors.
• Interest in land surveying, construction, or civil engineering.

Responsibilities

• Use a variety of land survey instruments to support field crews.
• Assist Crew Chief with setting up and operating survey equipment.
• Operate GNSS receivers and laser scanners per guidance.
• Read and interpret maps and plans with Crew Chief guidance.
• Record field notes, measurements, and sketches accurately.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Outdoor work

Hands-on skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Robotic total stations

GNSS receivers

Data radios/modems

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


• Support the Crew Chief by helping to set up and operate 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 with guidance from the Crew Chief


• Record accurate field notes, measurements, and sketches for land survey operations with supervision from Crew Chief


• Load and unload trucks, clean and maintain land survey equipment and supplies


• 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


• No prior surveying experience is required – just a willingness to learn, work outdoors, and develop technical skills in a hands‑on setting


• Strong interest in land surveying, construction, or civil engineering


• Able to work outdoors year-round in all types of weather conditions and environments and carry up to 80lbs


• 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