Instrument Operator A

natgridProd•City of Syracuse, NY

15d•$47•Onsite

About The Position

National Grid is looking for a qualified Instrument Operator A in our Syracuse, NY location. At the starting hourly rate of $47.23. We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, tuition assistance and more. The Instrument Operator A works under the direction of a Survey Party Chief or Supervisor to support land, right-of-way, topographic, and construction surveys. This role is responsible for operating survey instruments, collecting accurate field data, and supporting digital data processing workflows to ensure high-quality survey deliverables for engineering, design, and construction projects.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Engineering Technology, or equivalent field experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience as an instrument operator or in a related survey role.
Experience operating modern survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS/GPS, and digital levels.
Basic understanding of survey computations, coordinate systems, and field-to-office workflows.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
Valid driver’s license required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid’s Safe Driver policy.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Experience with Trimble Business Center for survey data processing.
Experience with Trimble RealWorks or similar point cloud processing software.
Familiarity with MicroStation or Bentley product workflows.
Experience supporting LiDAR collection or scanning-based survey projects.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and maintain survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and terrestrial laser scanners.
Collect accurate horizontal and vertical survey data for boundary, topographic, right-of-way, as-built and construction stakeout surveys.
Assist the Survey Party Chief with layout, measurements, and verification of survey control.
Direct and assist survey crew members as needed during field operations.
Maintain clear, legible electronic field notes, sketches, and metadata.
Perform all work in accordance with company safety standards and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Download, organize, and prepare survey data for office processing.
Perform basic survey calculations and field quality checks.
Support survey data processing and quality control using survey processing software, including Trimble Business Center (preferred) and Trimble RealWorks (preferred).
Assist with point cloud registration and data validation as required.
Prepare field deliverables and documentation for drafting, engineering, and design teams.
Perform routine cleaning, calibration checks, and care of survey equipment.
Identify equipment issues and coordinate repairs or replacements.
Follow established procedures to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and traceability.