Instrument Operator

Launch Your Career as an Instrument Operator — Measure, Map, Make an Impact

Do you love working outdoors, using cutting‑edge technology, and supporting projects that shape the world around us? Are you a motivated team player who enjoys hands‑on problem‑solving and learning new skills in the field?

CHA Consulting, Inc. is seeking an Instrument Operator to join our Survey Geospatial Team in Columbia, SC where you’ll play a key role in gathering high‑quality field data that supports engineering, design, and construction projects across diverse environments. This entry‑level technical opportunity offers the chance to develop surveying expertise through direct mentorship from experienced Crew Chiefs—all while working with industry‑leading tools and technology.

• Travel to various project sites to support field data collection effort, learning and applying various survey methods, field procedures, documentation standards, and equipment operations
• Prepare, organize, and maintain field equipment—including GPS receivers, total stations, and electronic data collectors
• Support the Crew Chief in field calculations and sketches, preparation of field survey assignment data, as well as design and record plan content
• Aid in record research and boundary, topographic, and construction surveys as part of a collaborative field team

• High school diploma required; A.A.S. and/or B.S. degree preferred
• No prior experience required; however, prior internship(s) and/or applicable coursework preferred
• Strong math skills (trigonometry and geometry) and a willingness to learn about the surveying industry
• Ability to lift and carry equipment over uneven terrain and work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong teamwork, time-management, and communication skills with the ability to represent the firm professionally with clients and the broader public
• Valid driver’s license required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office preferred
• NSPS‑CST Level I certification preferred
• Drone piloting experience preferred

• Work on impactful transportation and infrastructure projects—from highways to transit corridors
• Gain hands‑on experience in surveying while building a foundation for long‑term career growth
• Join a company recognized for delivering safe, sustainable, and community‑focused solutions

Curious how CHA’s Survey Geospatial team supports safer, more efficient movement across communities? Explore our work at: chasolutions.com/solutions/transportation/.

$25.00 - $30.00

Salary is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and fair market evaluation based on industry standards. 

At CHA, we work every day to create solutions, help people, and improve our world, committed to creating and fostering excellence in our diverse and highly talented teams. Our teams continually strive to find better ways – always searching, never settling – to achieve extraordinary results. Our values around hiring, training, and community engagement reflect a company culture that is inclusive and forward leaning, always pushing the limits of what is possible.

We as an organization celebrate the values of inclusion and equality, and advocate for the full participation of all people in an environment free of discrimination. To support these values, we invite all qualified applicants to be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.