POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Hydrographic Surveyor Division: Operations Section: Survey Position Title of Supervisor: Executive Manager Operations 1 PURPOSE OF POSITION Responsible for the efficient supervision of the Survey Section, which undertakes hydrographic, land and engineering surveys and produces the associated survey plans required to provide information for safe shipping movements, to enhance engineering operations, and to support commercial development of the port. 2 POSITION BACKGROUND The port of Newcastle is the largest bulk shipping port on the east coast of Australia and the world s leading coal export port. The port is managed by Port of Newcastle (PON), under a long term lease. The lease includes responsibility for vessel scheduling, property management and port development, trade development, cruise shipping, dredging and survey, wharf and berth services, maintenance of major port assets, and pricing for associated services. The Operations Division is responsible for providing port services including vessel scheduling, wharf operations, dredging and hydrographic surveying; the planning, construction and maintenance of port infrastructure; and port security. The Survey Section provides hydrographic, land and engineering survey services to internal and external customers. It also provides computer-aided drafting services and is responsible for the management of spatial data covering all port property and facilities. The Senior Hydrographic Surveyor is responsible for the provision of timely and accurate survey data, plans, charts and Geographical Information System (GIS) data to internal and external customers, and statutory authorities. The position also offers expert advice or opinions on all survey-related matters. 3 ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES This position is responsible to: Executive Manager Operations This position is responsible for: Hydrographic Surveyors (2) CAD / GIS Officer Page 1 of 5 Date Updated: Nov 2014
4 NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION A WORK PERFORMED The Senior Hydrographic Surveyor s main duties are: 1 Hydrographic Survey Program 2 Dredging Support 3 Land and Engineering Surveys 4 Tidal Data Management 5 Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Geographical Information System (GIS) 6 Planning and Management 7 Special Projects 8 Environmental Response B KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 1 Hydrographic Survey Program Responsible for the overall operation and performance of the multibeam echosounder system and all other survey equipment and computer applications. Responsible for ensuring the Survey Program is completed in accordance with required standards. Responsible for the processing of raw bathymetric data to ensure all obstructions to navigation are located and that depths are determined to the required level of accuracy. Oversee all bathymetric surveys and the production of final charts for navigation and engineering purposes. Ensure that hydrographic information is disseminated in a timely manner. Works closely with the Harbour Master to promulgate depths at wharves and in channels and to determine maintenance dredging priorities. Assist in compiling notices for publishing in Notices to Mariners. Oversee the correct positioning of navigation aids to assist in safe navigation. Prioritise work objectives to ensure the optimum level of performance of the Survey team as a whole. This requires the position to analyse and clarify customer requirements, and provide advice and recommendations to finalise appropriate work programs. Navigate survey vessel skilfully and safely and act as vessel master within the limits of responsibility of a Coxswain Grade 1 NC when required. 2 Dredging Support Assist in optimising the productivity and effectiveness of the company's dredger. Ensure progress soundings are carried out promptly, and results are reported to the Executive Manager Operations. Compile the dredging priorities in the port. Resolve malfunctions of various complex work systems and equipment on board the survey vessels and dredge and minimise down-time. Supervise external dredging contractors as required. Fix navigation computer and position fixing system problems on the dredger as required. Assist with administration of the licence for dredging operations under applicable laws, regulations, standards and guidance material. Page 2 of 5 Date Updated: Nov 2014
3 Land and Engineering Surveys Where required oversee all land and engineering surveys carried out on the company's property. Ensure that all surveys, plans, reports and digital data are prepared in accordance with relevant regulations and to accepted standards. 4 Tidal Data Management Provide professional technical advice on tidal matters. Tidal data interrogation and use in hydrographic survey reductions. Regularly check both Port Authority NSW s tide gauges for data accuracy and validity. Liaise with the National Tidal Centre. 5 Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Geographical Information System (GIS) Oversee the preparation of various lease, detail and land strategy plans and port maps to assist current lease activity and port-related development projects. Oversee the development and maintenance of the company's Geographical Information System (GIS) and the incorporation of existing databases. Ensure the continual upgrading of the survey plan data base system, field notes and archiving of newly acquired data. 6 Planning and Management Responsible for the effectiveness of the Survey Section, including maintenance of appropriate systems and equipment, efficient data management and archiving, and adoption of appropriate technical standards. Monitor technological developments associated with surveying, land management and geographical information systems. Prepare the section s business plan and operating budget, and be accountable for departures from the approved budget. Recommend the expenditure necessary for capital purchases and prepare submissions for the consideration of the Executive Manager Operations. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of and provide technical advice on Hydrographic Survey matters. Perform other duties as required, including the exercising of delegated responsibilities. 7 Special Projects Assist external agencies to carry out special projects, both on land and on water, and arrange for the publishing of any required notice to mariners. Prepare estimates and quotations for contract survey services to external clients. Provide resource support and supervision for field work for projects such as current studies and geotechnical sampling. Assist Port Development Division in special functions such as the evaluation of tenders for company projects, when required. 8 Environmental Response Respond to any contingency and/or environmental incident to minimise the impact of such contingency. Page 3 of 5 Date Updated: Nov 2014
WH&S and Injury Management Port of Newcastle is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of people at work. Under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations 2011 and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998, Managers / Supervisors have a legislative responsibility and are required to: take reasonable care of yourself and of others at all times; implement the Work, Health and Safety (WHS) and Injury Management Systems; ensure adequate supervision is provided and maintained for all workers; maintain consultation, co-operation and co-ordination of information between management, workers and others; continually improve the WHS Management System and promote its awareness and safety improvements; identify, assess and manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable; ensure the incident reporting system is active and effective; ensure workers, including new and young workers, receive adequate information, instruction, training / refresher training and supervision; ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, maintained and used as specified; complete the number of safety observations each month as required; ensure the required number of risk assessments are reviewed annually; ensure all incidents, serious incidents and hazards are recorded and managed as per WHS- 901; and investigate incidents and serious incidents, implementing required action(s) and/or making recommendations to prevent recurrence. Environmental Management Port of Newcastle is committed to protecting the environment. Managers and employees are obliged to: carry out work in accordance with relevant codes, standards and procedures; comply with PON s Environment Policy and Environmental Management System; follow sustainability principles relating to waste handling and disposal, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions reduction and water usage awareness; and attend training as requested / directed. Port of Newcastle policies and Legislative Requirements Abide by EEO, cultural diversity principles, PON policies and be committed to ethical practices as set out in the Code of Conduct. C TEAM MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES Leads and participates in the development of Section and Division business plans, objectives and budgets. Manages section operations and encourages a team approach to achieve planned outcomes implements plans, budgets, monitors plans and, where necessary, recommends changes. Manages the performance of each of the individuals within the section, agreeing to goals and reviewing performance against those goals. Manages workplace information to ensure timely and effective two-way communication. Develops and maintains a safety program for the section with the aim of achieving zero accidents or injuries. Page 4 of 5 Date Updated: Nov 2014
Participates in, leads and facilitates the Survey team to develop a vibrant integrated workforce focused on providing superior service and producing customer satisfaction. Resolves employee relations issues within the workgroup. Manages personal work priorities and professional development of self and team. 5 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Tertiary qualifications in surveying or related disciplines at least equivalent to Associate Diploma level. Thorough understanding of the principles of multi beam echo sounders and swath bathymetry. Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant survey computer hardware, software applications, computer databases and data transfer techniques. Demonstrated experience in the management of digital and paper-based survey information. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems. Practical knowledge and experience in the use of computer-aided drafting systems. Sound knowledge of satellite positioning systems. Comprehensive knowledge of tidal systems in a coastal port environment. Demonstrated management skills/experience. Capacity to initiate improvements and ensure achievement of organisational objectives. Commitment to gain Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain Grade 1 NC within a two year period from commencement date Ability to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security ID Card (MSIC) Drivers Licence Certification as a Practising Hydrographic Surveyor with the Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel (AHSCP) Comprehensive knowledge of siltation and dredging issues relating to an estuarine port Knowledge and understanding of land title matters Experience and/or knowledge of land use management and property development Extensive local knowledge of the Port of Newcastle Certificate of Competence for Coxswain Grade 1 NC Certificate of Local Knowledge for the Port of Newcastle 6 WORKING CONDITIONS This position requires a flexible approach to hours of work. The task is based on achieving job objectives, rather than set hours per week. All overtime and additional hours are incorporated into the total salary for the position. Page 5 of 5 Date Updated: Nov 2014