Survey Instrument Operator

Woolpert • Houston, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Woolpert is hiring a mid-level Survey Instrument Operator to join its Survey & Geomatics team in Houston, Texas. Under the supervision of the Survey Crew Chief, this role performs advanced land survey tasks, operates and maintains survey instruments, ensures field data accuracy, and provides technical support to the survey team. The position requires a solid understanding of surveying principles, strong technical and computer skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

The operator supports a range of field assignments, including boundary monument recovery, brush clearing, topographic surveying, utility inventories, geodetic control, and photo/lidar control. The role includes collecting, recording, transferring, and preliminarily processing field data; troubleshooting instruments and data collection; maintaining equipment; and helping coordinate and train survey staff. Work is primarily outdoors, sometimes in remote and rugged locations, and involves frequent travel, primarily on projects throughout Texas. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with overtime as required and occasional extended travel elsewhere in the United States.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, applicable OSHA certifications, at least four years of land surveying or related experience, and a valid driver's license. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the country where the job is located; visa sponsorship is not available. The posted base pay range is $27.79–$41.63 USD.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Applicable OSHA certifications.
• At least 4 years of experience in land surveying or a related field.
• Ability to perform survey-related mathematical calculations involving proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, slope, elevations, and coordinates.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and construction drawings.
• Proficiency with computers, including data transfer, data-processing software, and basic CAD/GIS applications.
• Average verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information in one-on-one and small-group situations.
• Mental and physical ability to perform all essential duties of the position.
• Ability to travel frequently and extensively, including overnight and out-of-town travel.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Good physical condition and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a pre-employment Motor Vehicle Record check; must maintain a satisfactory driving record as required by the company's insurance provider.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening; periodic drug testing may be required under company policy.
• Must already possess work authorization in the country where the job is located; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, bend, climb, and/or balance; and frequently lift or move 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Follow instructions from the Survey Crew Chief and adhere to established survey procedures and safety guidelines.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, and construction drawings.
• Support field assignments such as field calculations, boundary monument recovery, brush clearing, topographic surveying, utility inventories, geodetic control, and photo/lidar control.
• Operate and maintain total stations, GNSS equipment, levels, data collectors, and other survey instruments.
• Lead the setup and breakdown of survey equipment at job sites.
• Collect and verify accurate field data for various types of surveys.
• Record precise field notes, sketches, reports, and data in electronic data collectors.
• Download electronic data, log downloads, assist with data transfers to office computers, and perform preliminary data processing.
• Monitor equipment condition, report repair needs, and troubleshoot technical issues involving instruments and data collection.
• Transport, load, unload, clean, maintain, and store survey equipment and tools.
• Assist the Survey Crew Chief with team coordination and train and mentor junior survey staff.
• Communicate with team members, clients, and other stakeholders to support timely and accurate project completion.
• Travel frequently and extensively, including overnight and out-of-town travel, and work overtime as required.

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program, allowing employees to set their schedule and location as appropriate.
• Opportunity to become an owner of the firm through the Principal program.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• Paid sick time.
• Retirement plan.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Pet insurance.
• Identity protection.
• Technology stipend.
• Employee assistance program.
• Competitive pay.

What This Job Offers

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