Survey Equipment Operator

VHB • Williamsburg, VA

2d • $19 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

VHB is seeking a Survey Equipment Operator to join its Survey/Geomatics team in Williamsburg or Richmond, Virginia. The role supports boundary, topographic, utility, and construction stakeout surveys. Working alongside experienced survey professionals, the operator uses and maintains field equipment, collects accurate data, and contributes to high-quality project delivery. The position is suited to someone who enjoys outdoor work, developing technical skills, and collaborating with a team.

The full-time hourly pay range is $19 to $26. The base rate offered depends on job-related factors such as location, experience, credentials, skills, education, and work schedule. Eligible employees may receive incentive compensation, spot bonuses, and merit-based pay increases. VHB describes its culture as collaborative, inclusive, technology-empowered, and people-driven, with opportunities to develop skills and work on projects with community impact.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0–1+ year of experience using standard survey equipment, such as RTK GPS, total stations, or levels.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight for assignments outside the local area; anticipated to be less than 15% of assignments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Proficiency in reading, understanding, and evaluating survey, right-of-way, engineering, and architectural drawings in relation to survey projects.
• Ability to learn the proper use of GPS equipment and robotic instruments, along with mathematical concepts including fundamentals of geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to learn and understand the basics of boundary, topographic, construction, and utility surveys.
• Critical-thinking ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with survey staff and clients.

Responsibilities

• Operate, transport, and set up robotic total stations, data collectors, GPS, and other land surveying equipment.
• Perform boundary line, topographic, construction stakeout, and utility surveys.
• Locate and recover land surveying markers using hand tools and digging.
• Stake out proposed improvements, including installing stakes with sledgehammers and hand tools.
• Operate and maintain surveying equipment.
• Document all phases of survey work through clear field notes and data collection.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Recognition programs.
• Eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment.
• Learning and development support, including evolving tools and technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED