Job Description

Lead. Influence. Shape the future of Crown land management across New South Wales.

• Manager Survey Operations
• Ongoing Full Time Opportunity
• Office location: Newcastle preferred, other locations considered. Regular statewide travel required.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 plus super

Are you an experienced Registered Surveyor looking for more than just the next technical role?

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership position where you will combine your surveying expertise, strategic thinking and people management skills to guide a highly skilled team, deliver complex projects and contribute to the responsible management of Crown land across NSW.

The role

As Manager Survey Operations, you will play a pivotal role in leading professional survey services, influencing critical land use decisions and working with a diverse range of stakeholders including government agencies, industry professionals, communities and private sector partners. You will provide leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight to a team of qualified surveyors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality surveying services that meet legislative requirements, industry standards and business objectives.

You will lead complex projects involving Crown land, provide expert technical advice, manage stakeholder relationships and contribute to decision-making that can have significant economic, environmental and community outcomes.

No two days are the same. From resolving complex land and boundary issues to mentoring the next generation of surveyors and advising on high-profile projects, this role offers variety, challenge and the chance to make a real difference to the people and communities of New South Wales.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Leading and inspiring a team of professional surveyors, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Developing strategic business and project plans while coaching and mentoring staff across surveying practices, legislation, policy and project delivery.
• Providing expert technical advice on projects involving Crown land and adjoining properties.
• Managing complex surveying projects, including the preparation and negotiation of commercial contracts.
• Advising stakeholders on statutory obligations, surveying standards and spatial information management.
• Ensuring surveying services delivered internally and through external providers comply with relevant legislation, regulations and professional standards.
• Monitoring project performance, budgets, risks and milestones to achieve successful outcomes.
• Building strong relationships across government, industry and the broader surveying profession.
• Supporting sound decision-making on matters involving technical, legal, procedural and land-use considerations.

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Survey Operations

About You

We're looking for a confident and collaborative leader who is passionate about surveying and developing people.

You will bring:

• Extensive surveying experience and strong technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring and developing professional teams.
• Strong understanding of surveying legislation, standards, policies and industry practices.
• Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Sound commercial, risk management and problem-solving capabilities.
• The ability to navigate complex technical, legal and operational challenges while delivering practical solutions.

Essential requirements

• Degree in Surveying or Spatial Information and registration as a surveyor in NSW.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 16th August 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Jason Brouff, Director ALS Native Title via jason.brouff@crownland.nsw.gov.au

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.