How to hire an instrument operator

How to hire an instrument operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step instrument operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an instrument operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new instrument operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The instrument operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An instrument operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, instrument operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of instrument operators.

   Type of Instrument Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Instrument Operator	Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land... Show more	$13-29
   Survey Party Chief	Survey party chiefs are individuals distinguished from an engineering technician class. The chiefs supervise land surveys, plan, and assess the proposed field survey projects... Show more	$14-31
   Land Survey Technician	A land survey technician is responsible for monitoring and inspecting different construction sites. Their job is to take measurements and gather other data... Show more	$14-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • GPS
   • Survey Equipment
   • Data Collection
   • Work Ethic
   • Robotic
   • Construction Surveys
   • Tripods
   • Civil Engineering
   • GIS
   • Survey Instruments
   • Construction Sites
   • GNSS
   • Survey Data
   • Topographic Surveys

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Train in Carlson, TDS, and EFB.
   • Experience with static, RTK, and DGPS using Trimble R8 or Leica systems.
   • Experience with TDS and Carlson survey programs.
   • Measure distance between survey points using a steel tape or using an EDM.
   • Perform physical layouts using GPS, total station, and robotic units on large and small scale civil projects.
   • Used robotics and Nikon total stations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your instrument operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An instrument operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, instrument operators' average salary in minnesota is 39% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level instrument operators 53% less than senior-level instrument operators.
   • Certifications. An instrument operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an instrument operator's salary.

   Average instrument operator salary

   $43,179yearly

   $20.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level instrument operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

4. Writing an instrument operator job description

   A job description for an instrument operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an instrument operator job description:

   Instrument operator job description example

   • Carefully and diligently perform all phases of field surveying including; Construction Stakeout, Topographical Surveys, Preliminary Boundary Analysis/Stake Out, and As-Built surveys while utilizing tools like Trimble/Leica/Spectre robotic total stations, data collectors, auto-levels, GPS RTK Units, wireless communications, 3D Laser Scanners, etc.
   • Conduct field calculations and sketches; downloading and checking data while being held accountable to accuracy of all survey documents.
   • Maintain and take care of all company equipment and vehicles and ensuring setup is in a secure environment with proper safety precautions in place.
   • Positively represent the brand while communicating professionally and regularly with customers on site.

   • Other duties as assigned.

   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

   • Entry level (1-3 years of experience) performing boundary, topographic, ALTA surveys, construction stakeout, etc.
   • Experience using robotic total stations (Trimble, Spectre, Leica), data collector, auto levels, GPS RTK Unit, and familiarity with AutoCAD a plus.
   • High School Diploma and strong math and computer skills.
   • The ability and desire to expand your skillsets and adapt to new technologies.

   • Ability to complete additional certificates, (OSHA (10, 30, 40, etc.), Hazwoper, TWIC, etc.)
   • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
   • Ability to work overtime as needed and travel with overnight stays if required.

   Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for 8+ hours a day. Exposure to all weather conditions: hot, cold, wet, humid, or other conditions caused by weather. The Instrument Operator will work in the field with the survey crew. Field work is often performed on busy streets or construction sites. Loud noise may be experienced at times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

   We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company paid life insurance, 401K with company match and generous paid time off. Company provided breakfast twice a week, lunch once a week, a holiday party that cannot be beat, and a visionary atmosphere with a familial and jovial culture.

   If your skills and drive match exactly what we’re looking for, then apply to the Instrument Operator opening in NYC today! We look forward to working with you!

   Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right instrument operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with instrument operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit instrument operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your instrument operator job on Zippia to find and recruit instrument operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit instrument operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new instrument operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect instrument operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new instrument operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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