Chief Geoscientist - Head of the Geological Survey of NSW

• Head of the Geological Survey of NSW
• Lead the science and champion the potential of NSW geology
• NSW Senior Executive Band 1 – TRP $251,070 to $276,016 (inclusive of super)

The Organisation
The Geological Survey of New South Wales is one of Australia’s most significant scientific institutions, with a history spanning more than 150 years. Operating within the NSW Resources division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Survey’s mandate is to understand the state’s geology and release pre-competitive data that encourages investment in mineral exploration. Its geological programmes, research, and data releases sit at the upstream end of the mining life cycle – underpinning discoveries, project development, and the regulatory activity that follows. As Chief Geoscientist, you will lead that scientific mission.

The Role
As the NSW Government’s primary expert voice on geoscience, you will direct the Survey’s geological programmes, advise the Minister and senior executives, and represent NSW geology nationally and internationally. With the NSW Government’s critical minerals strategy centred on gold, copper, and a broader suite of critical minerals including battery materials, the role carries strategic significance.
The organisational structure is designed to enable you to focus on scientific leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advice. You will be the public face of the Survey with industry, lead engagement with Geoscience Australia, state and territory surveys, academic institutions, and exploration companies, and drive the geoscience programme that builds the evidence base for future exploration across NSW.

The Person
You will bring deep credibility in minerals geoscience – the intellectual authority to lead the Survey’s scientific staff, speak to industry with confidence, and command the respect of government and academic peers. Tertiary qualifications in geoscience are essential; a doctoral qualification is highly desirable. Gold, copper, and critical minerals expertise is well aligned with NSW’s current strategic focus.
You will understand how industry uses pre-competitive data, what investors need to make decisions, and how to translate geological potential into terms that connect to commercial reality.
You will be a genuine advocate for the geological potential of New South Wales, with the ability to represent the government’s public position with conviction. Prior government experience is not required; the willingness to work within government frameworks is essential.
The Survey’s team is primarily based in Maitland and ideally you will be in the area, or demonstrate a genuine commitment to regular Maitland presence.

The Opportunity
As Chief Geoscientist, you will be the defining scientific voice of the Survey – to government, to industry, and to the broader geoscience community. With critical minerals at the centre of both the national economic agenda and the NSW Government’s resources strategy, you will have direct and lasting influence on how the state’s geological potential is understood, communicated, and translated into investment. For a geoscientist who combines technical authority with a commitment to public purpose, this is a unique career opportunity.

Why DPIRD
DPIRD is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.
DPIRD brings together Agriculture Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to DPIRD. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

Additional Information
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

How to apply:
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact Andrew McEncroe via email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34413

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close: 11.59pm on Sunday, 28 June 2026.