Senior Survey Technician

About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury, the regional council, manages natural resources such as air, soil, water, and land in partnership with Ngāi Tahu to protect environmental health and promote a sustainable future. The council's work covers Environmental Regulation and Protection, Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards, and Public Transport, addressing ongoing national legislation and environmental changes.

Role Overview

This position involves gathering, analyzing, and delivering essential data supporting river management, flood protection, coastal monitoring, natural hazards, infrastructure projects, and environmental decision-making. The role combines diverse and technically demanding field and office tasks using advanced surveying, GIS, and data collection technologies, including aerial mapping, drone surveys, and engineering surveys.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute field surveys throughout Canterbury.
• Gather and analyze spatial, environmental, and survey data.
• Produce technical reports, plans, and outputs for internal stakeholders.
• Lead and assist team members during field operations as needed.
• Contribute to projects involving flood protection, river engineering, and coastal initiatives.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong problem-solving attitude, meticulous attention to data accuracy, and commitment to delivering quality results within deadlines. Comfort working in rivers, coastal, and remote areas independently is essential, along with holding a full class 1 driver’s license.

Applicants may come from varied technical backgrounds including:

• Instrumentation, data collection, and management
• Environmental science or monitoring
• Surveying or senior survey technician roles
• Civil engineering, infrastructure, or land development projects
• Geography, GIS, or spatial analysis
• Aerial mapping, drones, photogrammetry, or remote sensing

Experience and Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in surveying or related fields such as civil engineering or environmental science.
• Practical experience using modern survey equipment and software for data collection and processing.
• Strong technical and analytical expertise.
• Ability to handle complex datasets and create precise outputs.
• Competence to work independently and collaboratively.
• Skills in data analysis, reporting, and visualization.
• Proficiency in platforms including ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Pix4D, Trimble Business Centre, and 12d Model or equivalents.
• Experience mentoring, supervising, or leading field teams.

Working at Environment Canterbury

• Our values underpin our work: kaitiakitanga (stewardship), pononga (integrity), manaakitanga (people first), whanaungatanga (collaboration), māiatanga (can do).
• We embrace workforce diversity to better serve the community and environment.
• We encourage incorporating te ao Māori perspectives and te reo Māori in daily work and support professional development in these areas.

Additional Information

For confidential inquiries, contact Andrew Howes. Applications close on 21 October with early submission recommended; interviews and hiring may happen before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will complete interviews, reference, and criminal checks, with further background checks if relevant.

Environment Canterbury is committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace and encourages applications even if all qualifications are not met.