Chief Surveyor - Multi-disciplinary Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Housing support

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Chief Surveyor to lead the surveying department near Upington, Northern Cape. The role oversees surface and underground surveying, data integrity, and technology deployment across mining operations and exploration projects.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in mine surveying, strong leadership, and expertise with AutoCAD, Deswik, Surpac, and Trimble tools, plus GIS acumen and drone surveying experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher degree in Surveying/Geomatics with professional registration preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in mine surveying, surface and underground environments.
• Strong leadership and team-management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the surveying department across all mining operations and projects.
• Set surveying standards, ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Oversee field tasks: boundary surveys, topography, volumetrics; integrate with mine planning and geology models.
• Maintain calibration and use of total stations, GPS, scanners, and drones.
• Develop survey procedures compliant with industry regulations and best practices.
• Mentor junior surveyors and survey technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

GIS concepts

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Surveying/Geomatics

Tools

AutoCAD

Deswik

Surpac

Trimble Business Center

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and professional Chief Surveyor to lead their surveying department and operations near Upington, Northern Cape . This senior role encompasses oversight of all surveying activities across surface and underground mining operations, exploration projects, and infrastructure development. The Chief Surveyor will be responsible for setting surveying standards, managing survey teams, ensuring data accuracy and integrity, and implementing advanced surveying technologies. This position requires strong technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of surveying principles as applied to the mining industry. You will play a vital role in providing critical spatial data that underpins operational planning, safety, and resource management.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the surveying department, including personnel, equipment, and software. Establish and enforce high standards for surveying accuracy and data management across all operations. Oversee the execution of all surface and underground survey tasks, including boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and volumetric calculations. Manage the integration of survey data with mine planning, geological modeling, and other relevant software. Ensure the calibration, maintenance, and effective utilization of all surveying equipment (e.g., total stations, GPS, scanners, drones). Develop and implement survey procedures and protocols to ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Provide expert advice and technical support on complex surveying challenges. Manage survey data quality assurance and control processes. Contribute to mine planning and feasibility studies by providing accurate spatial information. Train and mentor junior surveyors and survey technicians.

Requirements

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related field. Professional registration with a relevant surveying body (e.g., PLATO). Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in mine surveying, with significant experience in both surface and underground environments. Proven experience in a leadership or management role within a surveying department. Expert proficiency in modern surveying techniques and advanced survey processing software (e.g., AutoCAD, Deswik, Surpac, Trimble Business Center). Strong understanding of GIS principles and their application in mining. Experience with drone surveying and 3D laser scanning technologies. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities. Valid driver's license.

Benefits

A highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and potential for profit sharing, is offered. Our client provides comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and other benefits. Opportunities for continuous professional development, advanced training, and career advancement within a leading mining group are actively supported. This role is based at our key operational hub near Upington, Northern Cape . We offer a challenging and dynamic work environment with a strong commitment to employee growth and safety. Relocation assistance and potential housing support may be provided.