Surveying Award

Coverage depends less on the employer's industry label and more on whether the employee's actual work fits the surveying classification structure better than any competing award.

• Start by checking whether the role is genuinely professional surveying or another classified surveying role under this occupational award.
• Clause 4.2 makes clear that professional surveyor includes graduate surveyors, licensed or registered surveyors, and other professional surveyors whose field does not require formal registration.
• If another modern award contains a more appropriate classification for the work, that other award may be the better fit.
• Remember that local government employees covered by another award are excluded by clause 4.5.

Written classification and written part-time hours are basic controls under this award, especially in project-based businesses where hours can move quickly.

• For part-time employees, record the specific agreed days and hours in writing at commencement and record any later variation in writing as well.
• Part-time employees must be rostered for at least 3 consecutive hours on a shift.
• Use the Schedule A classification structure when deciding the correct level, and make sure the pay level matches the role being performed.
• Do not rely on titles alone, especially in small practices where one employee may mix field, office and technical duties.

The ordinary hours framework is predictable, which makes deviations easier to spot and easier to control if the business documents them properly.

• Ordinary hours must not exceed an average of 38 per week and ordinarily sit between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
• Any broader spread within the establishment needs the agreement structure in clause 14.2.
• During daylight saving, the spread can move to 5.00 am to 5.00 pm where the required agreement is reached under clause 14.3.
• If rostered days off are used, follow the notice and accumulation rules in clause 15.

Surveying businesses often miss that travel time and away-work costs are an award issue, not merely a project budgeting issue.

• Pay or provide meals when the meal allowance clause is triggered by late work, Sunday work or public holiday work.
• Reimburse excess fares when an employee is directed to work somewhere other than the usual place of employment.
• Treat excess travelling time as working time where clause 19.5 applies.
• If the employee must sleep away from home, check the living away from home obligations and any vehicle use issue under clause 19.7.

Professional autonomy does not displace the award. Training costs, after-hours contact and minimum conditions still need active management.

• Where the employer and employee agree that training or professional development is undertaken as part of a structured program or otherwise, the employer must meet the associated costs under clause 12.2.
• Do not assume professional status removes the right to disconnect. Clause 14A applies here too.
• Keep the award, the NES and any flexibility arrangements aligned and in writing where required.

Premium rates still matter under this award, even in professional practices. Good payroll starts with a clear ordinary-hours baseline.

• Use the summary of rates in Schedule B and the overtime and penalty rules in clause 21 when checking premium pay.
• Do not assume project deadlines or client pressures let the business ignore the difference between ordinary hours and overtime.
• Make sure payroll can identify the agreed ordinary pattern before it starts calculating premiums.

PR799280, PR799346, PR799502

The current consolidated award incorporates these recent variation determinations. Use the consolidated wording when checking any affected clause, schedule, rate or allowance.

Affected: 17 - Minimum rates, 19 - Allowances, Schedule B - Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay, Schedule C - Summary of Monetary Allowances, Schedule E - Supported Wage System