Work Leader - Datums Squad - Principal Level Surveyor at Land Information New Zealand, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Now is an exciting time to join Land Information New Zealand. Within our Agile structure, you will have the opportunity to work across traditional domains of geodesy, hydrography, topography and property through the lens of data, technology, products, and services value streams.

We are seeking a leader with a geodetic or cadastral surveying background to guide the future of New Zealand's survey control system.  You'll lead a skilled team that maintains the infrastructure essential for accurate location information across New Zealand.

In this role you will lead and support the Datums Squad in maintaining and modernising New Zealand's national geodetic and vertical datums. You'll oversee vital infrastructure across the country – from our geodetic observatory in Warkworth to our network of permanent reference stations, and thousands of survey marks and trig beacons. We're at an exciting turning point where precise positioning is essential to everything we do. With big changes on the horizon such as SouthPAN coming fully online, we are developing to meet New Zealand's future needs.  You will provide oversight and leadership in planning and delivering this important work using Agile techniques and working alongside the Data Value Stream Lead, Home Lead, Technical Leads and your peers. This role is focused on management of work and does not have direct reports.

In the everyday running of the squad you will use your breadth of work leadership experience to manage resource and budget constraints, manage competing priorities, enable the squad to participate in National and International Geodesy related initiatives all while continuing to deliver on core business. You will be experienced at managing day to day workloads of a diverse set of individuals with a wide range of subject matter expertise, while taking a future focused and pragmatic approach.

In this role, you will:

• Lead an expert team delivering New Zealand's national positioning infrastructure
• Drive strategic initiatives such as datum modernisation
• Shape national positioning policy through leadership in key committees and working groups
• Guide the development of New Zealand's future positioning systems
• Balance day to day operations with strategic innovation
• Manage relationships with national and international partners

He pūkenga tou - Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in leading and developing high-performing technical teams
• Demonstrated track record in planning and delivering complex technical work
• Bachelor of Surveying or equivalent qualification (Postgraduate degree advantageous)
• Extensive experience in the field of geodesy and/or cadastral surveying
• Possess an understanding of New Zealand's geodetic system and positioning infrastructure
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences

Highly desirable:

• Experience working with Agile methodologies
• Knowledge of procurement and contract management practices
• Experience working with national and/or international technical committees

Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau – What we offer our employees 

• Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
• Eye & ear care reimbursements
• Annual Flu Vaccinations
• Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
• Diverse groups and networks
• If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
• A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave

Te Tākinatanga - Our Story

Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations. Now and for future generations.

Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan

Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance.  We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential.  As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.

Tono mai - How to Apply

If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team. 

To apply, please click “Apply Online.” You'll be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter. 

Please note, while applications close Wednesday 12 February 2025, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position. 

You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Principal Geospatial Specialist – Level Wha/4) doesn't match the advertised title.  At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.

If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our Recruitment Team will be in touch with you.