Chief Surveyor - Underground Operations

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance incentives

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Surveyor for underground mining operations. You will lead the surveying department, oversee setting out, cross-sections, deformation monitoring, and data integrity, while coordinating with mine planning, engineering, and geology teams.

The role requires a degree in Surveying/Geomatics, professional registration, 10+ years in mine surveying with 5+ in leadership, and strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Deswik, and MinePlan.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Surveying, Geomatics, or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant surveying body (e.g., PLATO).
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine surveying, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within underground mining.
• Extensive experience with underground surveying techniques and equipment.
• Proficiency in survey software packages (e.g., AutoCAD, Deswik, MinePlan) and data processing tools.
• Strong understanding of geological and mining principles relevant to surveying.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mine surveying department, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for underground operations.
• Oversee the execution of all underground survey tasks, including setting out, cross-sections, volume calculations, and deformation monitoring.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of survey data, maintaining meticulous records and control networks.
• Implement and manage the use of advanced surveying equipment and technologies, such as total stations, GPS, laser scanners, and drone surveying.
• Develop and enforce survey standards, procedures, and safety protocols for the underground environment.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and geological teams to provide essential spatial data for mine design and development.
• Interpret survey data and prepare detailed reports, maps, and plans for management and regulatory bodies.
• Train and mentor junior surveyors and survey technicians, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations and surveying standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Safety standards

Education

Degree or Diploma in Surveying/Geomatics

Tools

AutoCAD

Deswik

MinePlan

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining enterprise operating in the Welkom, Free State region, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Chief Surveyor to oversee all surveying activities within its underground operations. This senior position is critical for ensuring accurate spatial data, precise mine layout, and compliance with geological and operational requirements. The Chief Surveyor will lead a team of survey technicians, implement advanced surveying technologies, and ensure the integrity of all spatial measurements. This role demands exceptional leadership, technical acumen, and a deep understanding of underground mining surveying challenges. You will be instrumental in maintaining operational efficiency and safety by providing reliable survey data for mine planning and execution. We are looking for a professional committed to precision and innovation in the field of mine surveying, contributing significantly to the success of operations in Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mine surveying department, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for underground operations.
• Oversee the execution of all underground survey tasks, including setting out, cross-sections, volume calculations, and deformation monitoring.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of survey data, maintaining meticulous records and control networks.
• Implement and manage the use of advanced surveying equipment and technologies, such as total stations, GPS, laser scanners, and drone surveying.
• Develop and enforce survey standards, procedures, and safety protocols for the underground environment.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and geological teams to provide essential spatial data for mine design and development.
• Interpret survey data and prepare detailed reports, maps, and plans for management and regulatory bodies.
• Train and mentor junior surveyors and survey technicians, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations and surveying standards.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Surveying, Geomatics, or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant surveying body (e.g., PLATO).
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine surveying, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within underground mining.
• Extensive experience with underground surveying techniques and equipment.
• Proficiency in survey software packages (e.g., AutoCAD, Deswik, MinePlan) and data processing tools.
• Strong understanding of geological and mining principles relevant to surveying.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a generous retirement fund, performance incentives, and significant opportunities for career progression within a large-scale mining operation. This role provides the chance to lead a critical function in the Welkom mining sector, ensuring operational accuracy and safety. Relocation assistance may be provided for the successful candidate.