Land Surveyor Instrument Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief

Job Description

The Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief leads or supports a field surveying crew on projects throughout the southeastern region. This role focuses on delivering accurate, thorough, and clearly documented survey data while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, schedule adherence, budget awareness, and responsive service to clients. The position requires organizing and directing field work, safeguarding and maintaining survey equipment and vehicles, and ensuring that all collected data meets professional standards and project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in leading a survey crew in the field, ensuring that all work meets quality, accuracy, and safety standards.
• Organize and plan daily field work, including assigning tasks, directing crew members, and coordinating logistics to meet project schedules and budgets.
• Locate, review, and research job locations to identify landmarks, physical objects, and significant land changes that may affect survey results.
• Supervise the work of the survey crew, evaluate priorities, and coordinate and organize work efforts to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee the standard of work being performed and perform or verify necessary field calculations derived from completed work.
• Supervise the maintenance, proper use, and care of survey instruments, tools, and equipment, including vehicles.
• Ensure that all collected data—such as angles, distances, elevations, and coordinates—is accurate and conforms to applicable regulations, standards, and project specifications.
• Coordinate survey findings and field data with engineering personnel, clients, and other stakeholders involved in the projects.
• Research previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for boundary, topographic, and other types of surveys.
• Determine appropriate methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control points and reference markers.
• Accurately record and maintain detailed notes, records, and sketches that clearly describe the work performed and survey results.
• Complete daily field logs and expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Complete company and client safety forms and ensure that all crew members consistently follow safety procedures and protocols.
• Consult with office and computer personnel to review and validate the final production of survey work performed in the field.
• Collect field data efficiently using Total Station/Data Collector, Level, and GPS equipment, and deliver data to the office in the required format.
• Protect, maintain, and account for all assigned equipment and vehicles, reporting any issues or maintenance needs promptly.
• Support boundary and topographic surveys and, when needed, survey independently with minimal supervision.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5–6 years of progressive experience in survey field operations.
• At least 2 years of experience serving as a survey crew chief.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a survey crew in the field.
• Strong technical surveying skills, including field calculations and data collection.
• Proficiency in operating survey equipment such as Total Station/Data Collector, Level, and various Global Positioning System (GPS) methods.
• Familiarity with commonly used surveying terms and practices.
• Experience with survey field equipment used for measuring, sighting, and leveling.
• Ability to survey independently and manage field tasks with minimal oversight.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving field issues and interpreting survey data.
• Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation.
• Reliable, steady, and helpful approach to teamwork and crew leadership.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time as required by projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as an Instrument Operator, Party Chief, Crew Chief, or similar land surveying role.
• Experience in boundary surveys and topographic surveys.
• Familiarity with boundary survey software and related geomatics tools.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with engineering personnel, clients, and internal teams.
• Commitment to safety practices and completion of all required safety documentation.
• Interest in contributing to the development of sustainable communities and long-term infrastructure projects.

Work Environment

This position is based out of an office in the Charleston area, with the majority of time spent outdoors performing field surveys in varying weather and environmental conditions. The role requires frequent travel—approximately 50%—throughout the southeastern region, and the individual must be willing and able to travel as project needs dictate. Work involves extensive use of survey instruments such as Total Stations, Data Collectors, Levels, GPS equipment, and related tools, as well as regular use of vehicles to access job sites. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and community impact, with a culture focused on helping people by delivering high-quality engineering and geomatics services that support sustainable communities and careers.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.