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Natural Resources Surveyor / Geomatics Technician - Swiftwater Consulting
Job Description
Contact – Dave Banns (dbanns@theheadhunters.ca)
Are you a recent graduate with a passion for the outdoors, a thirst for adventure, and a drive to make a real impact in water resource management? If you're looking to launch your career in a role that blends technical rigor with boots-on-the-ground fieldwork, we want to hear from you.
About Swiftwater Consulting
Founded in 2017, Swiftwater Consulting has rapidly become one of British Columbia’s most sought-after water resource engineering firms, particularly within the mining sector. Their mission is simple yet profound: to understand water and its critical role in the success and sustainability of industrial and environmental projects.
With a team that has supported projects across nearly every continent and climate zone, Swiftwater Consulting is the embodiment of technical excellence, scientific curiosity, and a relentless commitment to quality. They are proud to support the advancement of hydrology and to help clients move their projects forward with confidence.
Swiftwater Consulting Core Practice Areas
- Hydrometric & Climate Monitoring Services
- Hydrologic Analyses & Hydrotechnical Design
- Water & Air Quality Monitoring
- GIS & Hydroinformatics
- Aerial, Ground & Aquatic Surveying
- Mining-Specific Hydrology Studies
- Climate Change Assessments
- Ancillary Environmental Services
Role and Responsibilities
This role supports surveying, geomatics, and geospatial data collection for mining and resource development projects. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering consulting team at Swiftwater, this role contributes to mine planning, environmental assessment, construction support, and reclamation projects. The position involves a combination of field-based surveying using GNSS and drone (UAS) technologies, as well as office-based GIS analysis and mapping. You will also work in water resources, assisting teams with establishing and maintaining monitoring programs, and reporting.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in the wilderness, enjoys hiking and remote travel, and is seeking hands-on experience in mining-related environmental, engineering, surveying and geospatial applications.
You’ll be based in their downtown Vancouver office when not in the field, but expected to spend a significant amount of time in some of the most stunning and rugged landscapes in Western Canada—and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Field Surveying & Data Collection
- Assist with GNSS surveys for mine site mapping, infrastructure layout, environmental monitoring, and baseline data collection.
- Conduct drone (UAS) surveys to collect aerial imagery, topographic data, and volumetric information for mine planning and reporting.
- Support fieldwork at active and legacy mine sites, including terrain that may be remote, rugged, or industrial.
- Assist with survey control establishment, data validation, and field documentation.
- Maintain and prepare surveying and drone equipment for field deployment.
Data Processing & Technical Support
- Process GNSS and drone data to generate accurate survey deliverables, including orthomosaics, surface models, contours, and volumes.
- Support GIS-based analysis and spatial data management for mining, environmental, and engineering projects.
- Assist with data integration across survey, environmental, and engineering disciplines.
- Perform quality control checks on spatial data and survey outputs.
GIS & Mapping
- Create maps and figures using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for technical reports, mine plans, and client deliverables.
- Manage spatial datasets, metadata, and file organization in accordance with company standards.
- Support development of repeatable GIS and survey workflows for mining projects.
Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with engineers, geoscientists, environmental scientists, and senior surveyors.
- Assist with preparation of figures, tables, and supporting materials for technical reports, regulatory submissions, and client presentations.
- Follow health and safety protocols, site-specific requirements, and company quality standards.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with drone/UAS surveying, photogrammetry, or remote sensing applications.
- Transport Canada Basic or Advanced RPAS Certificate, or willingness to obtain.
- Experience with drone data processing software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, DJI Terra, or similar).
- Exposure to, or understanding of mining, civil, or industrial project environments.
- Familiarity with coordinate systems, datums, and survey control relevant to Western Canada.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to work safely and effectively in active mine and construction environments.
- Willingness to travel to remote project sites and work extended field rotations as required.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines in a consulting environment.
- Clear communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Working Conditions
- Combination of office-based work in Vancouver and fieldwork at mine sites across BC and Western Canada.
- Fieldwork may involve long days, uneven terrain, industrial settings, and variable weather conditions.
- Travel and overnight stays may be required depending on project needs.
What the successful candidate will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, GIS, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering/Science, Geography, or a related field.
- Foundational knowledge of surveying principles and spatial data collection.
- Experience or coursework involving GNSS surveying methods.
- Introductory experience with GIS software (academic or practical).
- Strong technical and practical skills with a resourceful, adaptable mindset
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Exposure to or interest in technical tools such as:
- HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, AutoCAD, Civil3D
- GoldSim, ArcGIS, and database/GIS systems
- Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, work at heights (up to 30 ft), and endure long field days (up to 12 hours)
- Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote, rugged environments
- Passion for water, nature, and environmental stewardship
- Training & Certifications (or willingness to obtain)
In return, you can expect:
If you're ready to launch your career with a company that values your growth, challenges your skills, and takes you places few engineers get to go, apply directly.
- First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue, Fall Protection, Ice Rescue
- Basic Drone Pilot & Boat Operator certifications
- Additional vocational training as needed
- Base Salary between $75,000 - $85,000 depending on experience. Those with higher expectations and experience may also be considered
- Performance bonuses
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development is company funded and encouraged
- Collaborative and supportive work environment
- Opportunities for international project work
- A collaborative, technically focused team that values curiosity, integrity, and adventure
Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.
Meet Your Recruiter
Dave Banns
MBA, Principal
Recruiting Specialty: Engineering & Operations
As Principal, Dave builds and maintains relationships with our partners. Drawing on over two decades of global recruitment and business development experience, his market knowledge is an invaluable resource to organizations of all sizes. Dave has ambitious goals to work collaboratively with current and new clients to develop cutting-edge, proactive workforce solutions. He has a proven record of exceeding clients’ expectations and cultivating sustainable and mutually-beneficial partnerships.
Dave is also a specialized and consultative recruiter with a focus in Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction and Operations positions. He has a reputation among his clients for implementing unique search strategies to attract top talent and build cohesive teams. Dave has a realistic understanding of how his clients’ businesses function in today’s world and what they will need to thrive in the future. Moreover, he has a deep network, refined ability to spot technical talent and match it with the most suitable company culture.
A former teacher, Dave knows how best to coach and guide individuals he works with. He takes the time to fully understand their goals, encouraging them to develop and follow a career path that is unique to their skills, talents and aspirations. Working with them as their consultant, he opens doors, acting as a conduit between great candidates and high-calibre career opportunities.
Dave holds an MBA in Global Management and a BBA in Marketing. His commitment to community is evident through his enthusiastic support of Big Brothers of Canada and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as his past service as a Board member for The Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres, contributing to the HR & Governance, Finance and Nominations Committees. He is an avid traveler and sports enthusiast who enjoys playing beer-league hockey, golf and skiing. He also dedicates his time to coaching his son's rep ice hockey, baseball and soccer teams.