A career in demand: Joshua’s surveying journey
Joshua Lieschke didn’t always know he wanted to become a surveyor. In fact, growing up in the small regional town of Walla Walla in southern NSW, he knew very little about the profession.
“I enjoyed mathematics at school and was reasonably good at it, which naturally led my career adviser to suggest some form of engineering,” Joshua says.
“While engineering seemed interesting, I wasn't overly attracted to the idea of spending most of my time behind a desk.”
That changed when a surveyor visited Joshua’s school and introduced him to a career that combined his interest in maths with practical, hands-on work.
“Learning that surveying is a practical application of mathematics and combines both field and office work immediately appealed to me" he shares.
With surveying offered at only a handful of universities, Joshua chose the University of Newcastle and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Surveying (Honours), achieving First Class Honours and a College Medal.
Joshua valued the support and connections he made within the surveying community throughout his studies.
“The surveying academics were excellent, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. I also made lifelong friendships with many of my fellow students.”
Joshua also helped establish Surveyors of the University of Newcastle (SUON), becoming the society’s inaugural President. Through the society, he built connections with industry professionals who remain mentors and colleagues today.
His career in surveying actually began well before graduation. Joshua secured his first part-time surveying role during his first year at university, completing cadastral and topographic surveys during semester breaks and drafting work remotely while studying.
A Glencore Scholarship later gave him the opportunity to experience mine surveying in the Hunter Valley. He then worked with a Hunter-based surveying firm across cadastral, construction, engineering and rail surveying. Highlights included working on major infrastructure projects and participating in a rail shutdown in Northern Queensland.
Today, Joshua is a Crown Land Surveyor with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, specialising in cadastral surveying and working towards becoming a Registered Land Surveyor in NSW.
“Of all the surveying disciplines I've experienced, cadastral surveying is my favourite. It involves investigating historical evidence and locating original survey marks to accurately define land boundaries.”
“It's not uncommon to encounter survey marks that have been in place for many decades, with some dating back more than a century.”
For Joshua, one of the biggest attractions of surveying is the variety.
“Surveying regularly takes you to places that most people would never otherwise visit, from remote rural properties to major infrastructure projects.”
That variety extends to career opportunities. Joshua has gained experience across cadastral, construction, engineering, rail, mining and hydrographic surveying, demonstrating just how many directions a career in surveying can take.
Image of surveying equipment in bushland setting
Image of echidna in open field with surveying equipment
Image of surveying equipment in front of large, older building
Image of surveying equipment on hill overlooking the breach on a sunny day
Joshua Lieschke
Surveyors are in strong demand across Australia. Alumnus Joshua Lieschke shares where his surveying degree has taken him and the opportunities available for those entering the profession.
Learning that surveying is a practical application of mathematics and combines both field and office work immediately appealed to me.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.