Chief Surveyor - Underground Mining

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life cover

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Surveyor for a major underground mining operation in Welkom, Free State. The role oversees all surveying work, ensures accuracy of mine plans, and provides critical spatial data to support safe and efficient underground mining activities.

You will lead a team of survey technicians, implement advanced surveying technologies, and ensure compliance with mining regulations and company standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics or related field.
• Professional registration with a statutory body in surveying.
• At least 10 years in surveying with 5 years underground mining.

Responsibilities

• Oversee underground and surface surveying operations and ensure accurate spatial data.
• Develop and implement SOPs for survey practices and data management.
• Conduct high-precision underground surveys for development and infrastructure placement.
• Maintain mine models with up-to-date survey data.
• Lead, train, and mentor survey technicians and assistants.
• Operate and maintain total stations, GPS, and laser scanners.
• Prepare detailed survey reports, plans and cross-sections for management and regulators.
• Collaborate with geology, engineering and production teams for planning.

Skills

Underground mining knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Spatial data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Surveying/Geomatics

Professional registration (LSS/Mine Surveyor)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Total stations

GPS & laser scanners

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant contributor to the mining industry in the **Welkom, Free State** region, is actively recruiting for a Chief Surveyor. This critical role involves overseeing all surveying operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of mine plans, and providing essential spatial data for safe and efficient underground mining activities. The Chief Surveyor will lead a team of survey technicians, implement advanced surveying technologies, and ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and company standards. This is a key position for an experienced professional seeking to make a substantial impact within the dynamic underground mining environment of the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all underground and surface surveying activities, ensuring accurate spatial data capture.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for survey practices and data management.
• Conduct high-precision underground surveys for development, stoping, and infrastructure placement.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of mine models by regularly updating them with survey data.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of survey technicians and assistants.
• Operate and maintain advanced surveying equipment, including total stations, GPS, and laser scanners.
• Prepare detailed survey reports, plans, and cross-sections for mine management and regulatory bodies.
• Liaise with geological, engineering, and production teams to provide essential spatial information for planning and operations in **Welkom**.
• Ensure compliance with all South African Mine Survey regulations and company safety protocols.
• Perform quality control checks on survey data and calculations.
• Manage the survey department budget and resource allocation.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related field.
• Professional registration as a Professional Land Surveyor or Mine Surveyor with a relevant statutory body.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in surveying, with at least 5 years specifically in underground mining environments.
• Demonstrated experience with surveying software packages (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, specialised survey software).
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining modern surveying instruments and technologies.
• Strong understanding of mine surveying principles, geodetic control, and spatial data management.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards within the mining sector.
• Experience in the Free State mining areas is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, life cover, and a substantial retirement fund.
• This role provides opportunities for professional development and career progression within a leading mining group.
• Relocation assistance may be available for suitable candidates moving to **Welkom**.
• Join a dedicated team focused on precision and safety in the heart of the South African mining landscape.