Chief Surveyor - Mining Operations

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Relocation assistance

International travel

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement benefits

Housing and vehicle benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Chief Surveyor to lead the surveying department in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role directs strategy and execution across multiple mining sites, ensuring data accuracy, professional standards, and safety in all survey activities.

You will manage a team of survey professionals, shape policies, budgets, and stakeholder interfaces with regulators and consultants. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Mine Surveying or Geomatics, SAGC Pr.Surv registration, and 12+

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mine Surveying or Geomatics.
• Professional registration as a Pr.Surv with SAGC or equivalent.
• 12+ years in mine surveying, including at least 5 years in senior management.
• Extensive knowledge of underground/open-pit surveying, geodetic control, photogrammetry & 3D laser scanning.
• Proficiency in Leica, Trimble, AutoCAD, GIS.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical guidance to the surveying team across mining operations.
• Develop and implement surveying policies, procedures, and standards for accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee establishment and maintenance of primary survey control networks for all mining areas.
• Manage the collection, processing, and interpretation of survey data for mine planning, design, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with South African legislation, regulations, and professional body requirements.
• Review and approve mine plans, sections, and spatial reports generated by the department.
• Manage the surveying budget, including equipment and software procurement.
• Liaise with regulators and consultants on surveying matters.
• Foster continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the team.
• Ensure safe execution of all surveying activities with strong health & safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Strategic planning

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Mine Surveying or Geomatics

Tools

Leica

Trimble

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Mining sector, is seeking a highly experienced and qualified Chief Surveyor to manage and lead their surveying department in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational execution of all surveying activities across multiple mining sites. The Chief Surveyor will ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all survey data, maintain high professional standards, and manage a team of survey professionals. You will play a pivotal role in mine planning, resource estimation, legal compliance, and operational control by providing reliable and precise spatial information. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned surveyor to take on a leadership position within a prominent global mining organization. The role demands exceptional technical acumen, strong leadership capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of surveying principles and their application in complex mining environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical guidance to the entire surveying team across various mining operations.
• Develop and implement surveying policies, procedures, and standards to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of primary survey control networks for all mining areas.
• Manage the collection, processing, and interpretation of survey data for mine planning, design, and operational support.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African legislation, regulations, and professional body requirements pertaining to mine surveying.
• Review and approve all mine plans, sections, and spatial reports generated by the department.
• Manage the surveying budget, including the procurement of equipment and software.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and consultants, on surveying matters.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the surveying team.
• Ensure the safe execution of all surveying activities, adhering to the highest health and safety standards.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Mine Surveying or Geomatics.
• Professional registration as a Professional Surveyor (Pr.Surv) with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) or equivalent.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine surveying, with at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of underground and open-pit surveying techniques, including advanced geodetic control, photogrammetry, and 3D laser scanning.
• Proficiency in industry-standard surveying and CAD software (e.g., Leica, Trimble, AutoCAD, GIS).
• Strong understanding of mineral resource management, mine planning processes, and legal surveying requirements in South Africa.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and strategic projects.
• Experience working with diverse commodity types and complex mining operations.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and professional integrity.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary package, including significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Executive-level allowances, potentially including housing and vehicle benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development at leading industry conferences.
• Relocation assistance available for successful candidates relocating to the Sandton area.
• Generous annual leave and executive leave package.
• Opportunity to shape the surveying function within a major international mining company.
• A stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art surveying technology and resources.
• Clear pathways for further executive career advancement.