Surveyor
What you'll do
Working autonomously and as part of a small team, you’ll use your analytical skills and passion for accuracy to collect, analyse, report and present survey data and geodetic information. You’ll be required to work in remote and isolated areas with minimal supervision, often to tight deadlines. You’ll play a key role in planning and maintaining survey control in support of a wide variety of Defence construction projects through management of geodetic surveying data, establishing construction control points and construction planning.
Beyond major infrastructure construction projects, you’ll provide support to other Army teams including Combat Engineers and Logistics. You’ll work with these teams to support defence activities such as construction of field structures and obstacles, as well as temporary and semi-permanent camps as part of humanitarian and disaster relief operations. While this isn’t a combat role, like all other Army roles you’ll learn to be a soldier first. You may find yourself positioned close to the action and expected to operate within combat environments.
Your duties may include:
- carrying out on-site investigation and surveys
- complying with government sponsored survey standards, codes and regulations
- environmental monitoring
- establishing control points for site layout and construction tasks
- geospatial terrain scanning and visualisation
- requirements gathering and client briefing
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, navigation, and camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment.
As a part of your Initial Employment Training, you’ll complete a Diploma of Surveying through TAFE NSW, which will require you to relocate to Wollongong, NSW to complete your study on campus. Army will assist with your relocation. Upon completion of your Initial Employment Training, you may be posted to a unit in Brisbane, Ipswich or Townsville, Qld, Darwin, NT or Sydney, NSW where you’ll enhance your skills through further formal training. There may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service need, career development needs and individual preferences. Over the course of your career, you may also have opportunities to deploy overseas on operations.
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Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have either completed Year 12 with passes in English and Maths or be in your final year and on track to pass them all.
You’ll also require advanced numeracy skills and moderate computer skills to work with complex software and spreadsheets.
If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Military Engineering
Duration: 25 days
Location: School of Military Engineering, Holsworthy Barracks, NSW
This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours to utilise basic military engineering skills under operational conditions. You’ll also learn valuable skills in humanitarian aid disaster relief and high-threat weather responses.
Training includes:
- basic combat communications course
- construction induction training (white card) accreditation
- working at heights certification
- chainsaw operator (basic) and basic tree felling certification
- basic tools (hand / power tools, small engine driven equipment)
- basic military engineering
- Army Combatives Program LVL 2.
Course: Diploma of Surveying
Duration: Approximately 2 years
Location: TAFE NSW, Wollongong, NSW
You’ll learn how to collect, store and analyse surveying data while maintaining survey equipment. During this period, you’ll also use Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS), and practice applying your skills in a highly realistic surveying work environment. You’ll also work on your skills in performing technical maths and Excel computations.
Note: You’ll need to relocate to Wollongong for the duration of your study. Army will assist with your relocation.
Once you’ve finished your Initial Employment Training, you’ll be assigned to an Army unit and your career as a soldier will begin.