Civil Survey & Design Officer - Cadet or Graduate Opportunity Available

Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week 

Salary Range: Grade 6 - 15 ($1234.39 - $2046.55 per week + 12% Superannuation)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 19 October 2026

Position Title: Survey and Design Cadet, Survey and Design Graduate, Survey and Design Officer, Senior Survey and Design Officer

A council truly passionate about community!

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a rapidly growing industry, gain invaluable skills and mentorship whilst also achieving a qualification in surveying and design?

Are you an experienced Survey and Design professional looking for your next step?

Our Next Civil Survey & Design Officer

Reporting to the Manager Engineering Services, and working closely with our team of engineers, you will be working collaboratively across Council to assist with duties including:

• collecting, recording, and interpreting survey data for investigation and design of civil works.
• producing quality designs for civil works.
• undertaking survey and set out for civil construction works.
• collecting quality control and work as executed data for civil construction works.

For those looking to join with no prior work experience, this role has been created to bring on either a Cadet, Graduate Officer or Qualified Officer - with Salary Grade and training expectations adjusted to fit the successful candidate.

Many of our cadets and graduate hires have obtained in demand skills, which help to form the basis of a successful career. Whilst it would be advantageous, you do not need to have previous experience and applications from school leavers are encouraged. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Identifying, analysing and resolving problems, particularly using mathematics.
• Knowledge of civil engineering processes in construction or demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Knowledge or experience in civil design and/or surveying.
• Ensuring full compliance within the scope of the fields of Civil Design & Construction and Surveying.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Applying interpersonal skills.

For those with experience and applying for our Senior position, the following essential criteria must be met:

• Diploma of Engineering or commensurate level qualifications majoring in Engineering, Construction Management or Spatial Science.
• Demonstrated experience in survey and design across multiple disciplines including road design, storm water drainage, reticulation and traffic safety.
• Demonstrated experience in using modern surveying instruments including GNSS and machine guidance for graders, including calibration and maintenance.
• High level knowledge of requisite construction standards and codes for a range of civil infrastructure including Austroads and WSAA.
• Demonstrated experience using CAD packages in particular Autocad Civil 3d, and Civil Site Design.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and successfully manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and continued commitment to work according to Councils' policies and Code of Conduct, with or without supervision.
• Current valid NSW Class C Drivers Licence (ongoing employment is conditional on maintaining this Licence).
• Practical experience in engineering survey, design
• Familiarity with Autocad™ or other CAD software.
• Familiarity with survey instruments.
• Familiarity with GIS software.
• Applying professional interpersonal skills.
• Developing work priorities.
• Good communication and public relations skills.
• Identifying, analysing and resolving problems.

To view the full list of Key Responsibilities, Key Tasks, Essential and Desirable Criteria please view the Senior Survey and Design Officer Position Description Attached.

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

Working at Gunnedah Shire Council offers a range of benefits, some of which include:

• Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 3 weeks!

• Access to MyLeave - An additional 5 days of leave each year to support a healthy and flexible work-life balance. 

• Receive Long Service Leave after only 5 years!

• Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles.

• Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia

• Eligible staff can access 14 weeks of paid parental leave (or 28 weeks at half pay)!

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

• Access to 4 weeks annual leave

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

• Access to employee wellbeing programs

• Active social club

For further information regarding this role please contact Daniel Abraham, Manager Engineering Services, on 02 6740 2100 or see the Position Description

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application. The use of AI to assist with creating and formatting documents is welcomed; however, written responses should remain thoughtful and personalised, as generic or impersonal submissions may be viewed less favourably.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

For essential workers and their families moving to Gunnedah, The Welcome Experience is a free program aimed at providing free personalised support for a range of services such as housing, education, partner job opportunities, and community connection. To learn more and register for the program please click here: The Welcome Experience | NSW Government.