Careers

Having successfully delivered on several Central Otago projects over recent years, and with a strong pipeline of work within the region, we’re opening a local office in Wānaka. We are seeking a Survey Manager to join our new Central Otago team to play a key role in delivering our high-quality land surveying services to the local market.

Who you are…

• You’re an enthusiastic and motivated Licensed Cadastral Surveyor (or a senior surveyor working towards your license) who enjoys delivering practical solutions and working closely with clients, contractors, and local authorities.
• You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and enjoy contributing to projects that range from luxury alpine residential developments through to commercial sites and larger infrastructure projects.
• You are confident managing your own workload and enjoy working in a dynamic, energetic consulting environment where initiative, technical capability and strong communication skills are valued.

Your purpose…

You will lead the delivery of surveying projects within the Central Otago region, acting as a technical pillar for our local presence. Working within a multidisciplinary team of civil, structural, geotechnical engineers, environmental scientists, surveyors and planners, you will contribute to a wide range of projects throughout the South Island.

This is a key leadership role requiring sound cadastral experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage projects and deliver high-accuracy solutions for our clients.

Your daily adventures will include…

• leading and managing cadastral and engineering survey projects from inception to completion
• preparing and lodging datasets via Landonline and ensuring compliance with LINZ standards
• undertaking complex boundary definitions, topographic surveys, and construction set-outs
• collaborating with our multidisciplinary teams to provide surveying support for civil, structural, and environmental projects
• engaging with clients, contractors, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) throughout the project lifecycle
• applying 3D design tools and modern survey technology (GNSS, Total Stations, and potentially UAV/Scanning) to support project outcomes
• mentoring junior surveying staff and managing your own workflow to deliver high-quality results.

To be successful in this role you will ideally…

• have a minimum of 8 years’ experience in land surveying and hold aBachelor of Surveying (BSurv) or equivalent
• be aLicensed Cadastral Surveyor (LCS) with a current practicing certificate
• be experienced with survey software such as12d Model, AutoCAD, or Civil 3D
• have a strong understanding of theCadastral Survey Rules, the RMA, and local QLDC land development codes
• demonstrate strong English communication skills, both written and verbal
• be able to manage your time effectively and take ownership of the surveying division’s local output
• bring a positive, fun, and outgoing personality to a collaborative team environment.

What we offer…

We offer the opportunity to work within a long-established and highly respected South Island consultancy delivering a diverse range of engineering projects. You will be supported by experienced professionals across multiple disciplines while enjoying a high level of autonomy in your role. We offer excellent remuneration and a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

Why DO is a great place for you to work…

Our people are key to the success of our business. We have a distinctive team culture built around a non-hierarchical structure and a “leaders as coaches” philosophy. Principals and Directors work alongside teams in an open-plan environment, fostering accessibility, collaboration and professional growth. The company also maintains a strong social culture, with regular events and activities that support connection across the business.

We’re highly skilled, technical experts who are passionate about what we do. We’re also a friendly, supportive, diverse and inclusive team with high priority on creating a positive work environment. We work on a wide range of projects from residential and commercial developments to large scale roading and infrastructure projects.

While this role is Wanaka based, we have five offices who work closely together on projects throughout the South Island. This will give you the opportunity to work with colleagues from our other offices on exciting projects within the other regions too.

In addition to working with a team of great people, you can also expect the following benefits:

• Professional development – We encourage our staff to keep learning and growing. We will cover the cost of Survey and Spatial NZ (S+SNZ) subscriptions and cadastral licensing fees, providing opportunity for meeting CPD requirements with a range of in-house and external courses.
• Wellbeing – We offer subsidised health insurance through Southern Cross, access to our online wellbeing programme, regular mental health and wellness presentations, paid entry into various sports events and 24/7 EAP services.
• Environmental – We care about the environment. We’re a carbon positive company with a focus on minimising our impact as much as possible, and regular tree planting and other environmental initiatives.
• Communities – We care about the communities where we live and work. Supporting them is important to us, and we do this through hands-on involvement, raising awareness, and supporting causes that make a difference to New Zealanders’ lives.
• History – Davis Ogilvie has been established in Christchurch for over 90 years and is locally owned and operated. You will work side by side with the company directors and other staff with an abundance of knowledge and experience.