Instrument Man

Position Summary

Centurion Planning & Design is seeking a full-time Instrument Man to join our Survey Department. This position has an hourly pay rate. This position focuses on supporting field surveying operations for civil engineering, land development, construction, and infrastructure projects. The Instrument Man will be responsible for operating surveying equipment, collecting accurate field measurements, assisting with construction staking, and supporting the Survey Party Chief in completing field assignments accurately, safely, and on schedule.

We are looking for a dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated individual who is comfortable working outdoors, operating technical equipment, and performing physically demanding fieldwork. Strong attention to detail, basic math skills, the ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to learn surveying procedures and equipment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Survey Party Chief in performing field survey operations for civil engineering, land development, construction, and infrastructure projects.
• Set up, operate, and maintain surveying equipment, including robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors, levels, and related field instruments.
• Assist with boundary, topographic, construction staking, as-built, control, and other field surveys as assigned.
• Collect and record accurate field measurements, including distances, angles, elevations, and coordinates.
• Assist with establishing and verifying horizontal and vertical survey control points and benchmarks.
• Perform construction staking activities for utilities, paving, grading, structures, drainage systems, and other site improvements under the direction of the Survey Party Chief.
• Assist with locating property corners, survey monuments, and other physical features.
• Maintain accurate field notes, electronic survey data, photographs, and other project documentation.
• Perform basic field calculations and verify measurements to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with reading and interpreting construction plans, engineering drawings, plats, and other survey-related documents.
• Communicate with the Survey Party Chief regarding field conditions, equipment issues, and potential discrepancies.
• Follow company safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment around construction activities, traffic, heavy equipment, and varying terrain.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous land surveying or construction field experience preferred but not required for the right candidate.
• Familiarity with robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, data collectors, and other surveying instruments preferred.
• Experience with Trimble surveying equipment and Trimble Access software is a plus.
• Basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and measurements.
• Ability to read and understand basic construction plans, engineering drawings, and survey-related documents preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate field measurements and documentation.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and consistently arrive to work on time.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also working effectively as part of a survey crew.
• Good communication skills and willingness to take direction from the Survey Party Chief.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn electronic survey data collection systems.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds or more of surveying equipment and supplies.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven or challenging terrain and perform repetitive bending, lifting, standing, and carrying.
• Willingness and ability to learn new surveying techniques, equipment, and procedures.
• Commitment to following company safety policies and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record required.