Instrument Operator

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16265
Department: Engineering Department
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central


Position Description
Position Overview:

Works as a member of a Survey Field Crew under the direct supervision of the Survey Party Chief. Performs boundary, topographic, and other land surveys for Harris County properties and rights-of-way.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for maintaining ample quantities of supplies, as well as loading and maintaining equipment for the assigned survey crew
• Operation, handling, and maintenance of survey equipment, including GNSS receivers, Robotic and Conventional Instrumentation, levels, etc.
• Responsible for getting to and working at jobsites that are not easily accessible either by vehicle or on foot
• Responsible for reporting survey measurements (angles, distances, coordinates, etc.), and their accuracies to the Survey Crew Chief
• Assists with traffic control around the survey area
• Responsible for maintaining harmonious relationships and communicating effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and the general public
• Performs other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements
Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Rod Person working on boundary and topographic surveying projects, with experience in other types of surveying. Must have verifiable experience in operating field instrumentation and equipment, including but not limited to conventional levels, total stations, GNSS rovers and receivers, and data collectors.

Licensure :

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Must possess the skills to work effectively and efficiently within a team.
• Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions that include the practical use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as they apply to surveying.
• Must have the physical strength and stamina to work as a member of a survey crew, which includes but may not be limited to measuring with a survey chain, chopping brush and trees, holding prism poles and level rods for long periods of time, learning to keep field notes, using and learning to use different types of surveying equipment, and potentially learning to lead a survey field crew.
• Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:
In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols.
The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
  Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences
Education

• Some college coursework or higher.

Experience:

• Progressive experience in surveying crews, from Rodman to Instrument Man or higher, with verifiable efficiency and production in all roles. Experience in construction surveying and in using other field equipment is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong, progressive experience with an understanding of the use of field instrumentation (Trimble and Leica), GNSS, robotic total stations, total stations, data collectors, levels, and other equipment.

General Information
General Information:

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary : Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure :

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, and sitting; reaching; ascending/descending stairs; ascending/descending channel slopes; and walking across uneven terrain. Subjected to outdoor environment situations and inclement weather conditions on a daily basis. Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.

FEATURED BENEFITS :

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01


What is the highest level of education you have completed as it relates to this job?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College (No Degree)
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• None of the above

02


Have you ever worked on a land surveying field crew?

• Yes
• No

03


How many years of experience do you have working as a Rod Person on boundary and/or topographic survey projects?

• 0 - 1 Year
• 2 - 3 Years
• 4 - 5 Years
• 5+ Years

04


Do you currently possess a valid Texas Driver's License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain one prior to employment
• No

Required Question