Instrument Operator

Job Title: Instrument Operator 
Department: Operations 
Reports To: Crew Chief 
Location: Houston, TX

The Instrument Operator plays a crucial role in our surveying team, responsible for assisting the Crew Chief and surveying personnel in field survey operations. This role involves the operation and maintenance of surveying instruments, data collection, and ensuring the accuracy of survey data. The Instrument Operator contributes to the successful completion of survey projects. 

Key Responsibilities 

Field Survey Support 

• Assist the Crew Chief and crew members in setting up and operating surveying instruments, including total
• stations, GPS receivers, levels, and data collectors.
• Maintain and calibrate survey equipment to ensure accurate operation measurements.
• Comprehensive understanding of how to use all survey-related equipment. 

Data Collection 

• Operate surveying instruments to collect field data, including measurements, angles, distances, and elevations. 
• Maintain a high level of accuracy in data collection and recording. 

Safety and Compliance 

• Follow Landpoint and Client specific safety protocols and guidelines during field operations to ensure a safe working environment. 
• Comply with local, state, and federal regulations and surveying standards. 

Equipment Maintenance 

• Assist in the maintenance, cleaning, and storage of survey vehicles, equipment, and tools. 
• Report any equipment issues or malfunctions to the Crew Chief. 

Data Management 

• Transfer and organize field data into digital formats for further processing. 
• Collaborate with survey crew members in data quality control and error identification. 

Team Collaboration 

• Work closely with the Crew Chief and crew members to efficiently complete survey tasks and meet project objectives. 

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or coursework in land surveying is a plus. 
• Previous experience as a Survey Instrument Operator or in a related role is advantageous. 
• Familiarity with surveying instruments and data collection tools. 
• Basic understanding of surveying principles and procedures. 
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain data accuracy. 
• Effective communication and teamwork skills. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, in order to follow safety protocols, receive work instructions, and coordinate with management team and team members.
• Must have the ability to understand and respond to basic safety instructions in English to ensure compliance with company and OSHA safety standards.
• A willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Valid driver's license preferred and the ability to travel to different job sites. 

The Instrument Operator works in the field, assisting the surveying team with data collection and instrument operation. This role may involve outdoor work in various weather conditions and occasional travel to project sites. 

Physical Requirements include but are not limited to the following: 

• Continuously stand for up to 10 or more hours per day. 
• Lift or carry up to 50 +/- lbs of necessary supplies from the truck to the crews in the field.  
• Must have the ability to traverse creeks and steep slopes. 
• Climb Fences. 
• Walk up to 5 miles per day. 
• Work outdoors in various weather and topographical conditions for long periods of time.  Outdoor temperatures can range from above 100 degrees F to below zero degrees F. 
• Hours worked are typically 8 hours/day 5-6 days/week (not guaranteed).  Schedule driven projects may require more than 10 hours/day and up to 7 days/week. 
• Drive up to 500 miles per day. 
• Bend / Stoop up to 25 or more times per day. 
• Understand potential outdoor hazards associated with working outdoors such as obstacles, straddling, climbing, crawling, and wading in order to traverse obstacles. 
• Be aware of the various hazards associated with the different geographic regions of the U.S.  Some of those hazards include but are not limited to: 
• Animal Hazards such as mosquitoes, snakes, ticks, gators, bears, etc. 
• Poisonous Plants such as poison ivy/oak, briars, thorns, sumac, cactus, etc.  
• Extreme weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain, dust, etc. 
• Extreme terrain such as mountains, swamps, steep slopes, rivers, etc. 

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Instrument Operator position. It is not an exhaustive list, and responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization.