Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 713215
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Department for Energy and Mining is committed to building a diverse and flexible culture. We encourage and welcome all applications from women, diverse community groups and ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.

About us:
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) aims to be the world’s most transformative energy and mining government department, guided by a high-performance culture built on collaboration, leadership, accountability, and meaningful engagement. DEM drives the global transformation economy by responsibly producing the minerals, metals and fuels needed for a low-carbon future, supported by South Australia’s affordable energy, strong regulation and innovative mindset. These strengths are accelerating industry decarbonisation, creating advanced manufacturing opportunities, boosting jobs and strengthening the state’s prosperity. We also recognise the vital contributions of Aboriginal peoples as land managers, heritage custodians, business owners and community leaders, whose stewardship is essential to a sustainable energy and mining sector.

About the opportunity:
As the Director, Geological Survey of South Australia (GSSA), you will provide strategic leadership across the state’s geoscience agenda, guiding the planning, management and delivery of geoscience mapping, research, resource assessment and modern digital geology programs. In this pivotal role, you will help unlock South Australia’s mineral and energy potential by sharing high-value geological data and insights, accelerating new discoveries and attracting sustainable investment through the internationally recognised Geological Survey of South Australia. You will also provide authoritative, high-level advice on the state’s geology and resource opportunities to the Department, the Minister, government leaders, and national and global industry partners.

To succeed in the GSSA role, you will bring strong Executive Service leadership capabilities, shaping strategic thinking, driving results and business excellence, forging effective relationships, and modelling professionalism. You will have significant national-level industry experience, a solid understanding of investment and commodity cycles, and proven strengths in business planning, budget oversight and project management. Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate and present to diverse audiences, are essential, as is the capacity to lead a complex, high-performing team through change while fostering succession planning and cultural renewal. You will demonstrate integrity, adaptability and values-based leadership, supported by a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience (or equivalent), with postgraduate qualifications or an MBA is desirable.

Enquiries:
Confidential enquiries can be made to
Andrew Payze
(08) 8210 8510
Associate Director - Morton Philips

Please note: This advertisement may close earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Applications close: 25/01/2026 11:30 PM

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

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