A day in the life… of a Hydrographic Survey Coordinator

Her day often begins on a survey boat, navigating South Australia’s stunning coastline, from the West Coast all the way to the Victoria/South Australian border.

With a keen eye on sand movement, erosion and dune changes, Kia collects precise data that informs how DEW manages and protects these dynamic environments. Whether piloting through estuaries or capturing underwater depths, Kia’s work ensures our coasts remain resilient and sustainable for future generations.

Kia’s journey as a coastal guardian

When Kia joined DEW 20 years ago, she didn’t plan on leading the surveying team, let alone becoming a hydrographic surveyor. Her journey into surveying started with an unexpected twist, proving that sometimes the best careers are the ones you don’t see coming.

Finding her path

Kia’s story began when she volunteered to provide business support to DEW’s Coasts Unit. One day, with all the surveyors in the field and an urgent engineering design in need of revision, she stepped in to help. Armed with her partially completed Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Kia impressed the team with her creativity and problem-solving skills. From there, she was invited to learn the ropes of processing coastal monitoring data, diving into the world of bathymetric and topographic surveys.

Taking on the monumental task of clearing a 10-year backlog of unprocessed data, Kia discovered her knack for analysis and problem-solving. She brought the data processing system up to date, setting a foundation for her future in the field.

What keeps Kia inspired

These days, as Hydrographic Survey Coordinator, Kia leads a team that monitors South Australia’s coastal, marine, and estuarine environments. She combines technical expertise with a passion for protecting coastal ecosystems, using data to track sand movement, monitor erosion, and map changes to dunes. This vital work helps inform smarter decisions about coastal management and ensures our shores are protected for generations to come.

"What I love most is seeing how our work directly impacts the sustainability of our coasts," Kia says.

"From creating safer engineering designs to conserving habitats, our data plays a critical role in building resilience."

Over the years, Kia has embraced advancements in technology, such as SmartNet Australia, a high-precision satellite positioning system that enhances data accuracy, and modernising geodetic data systems to align with current standards. These innovations ensure DEW remains at the forefront of coastal surveying and management.

Overcoming challenges

Kia’s career has been filled with plot twists. Arriving in Australia as an eight-year-old refugee from Vietnam, she’s no stranger to challenges. Transitioning from admin support to hydrographic surveying required determination and grit, and her adaptability shines through her accomplishments. From becoming a certified SCUBA diver and earning her coxswain’s licence to operating heavy vehicles, Kia has seized every opportunity to expand her skills.

"I wasn’t even the kind of teenager who rushed to get a driver’s licence," Kia laughs.

"Now I’m navigating coastal waters and operating heavy machinery - it’s wild how life can surprise you."

A never-ending journey

For Kia, success in hydrographic surveying comes down to adaptability, curiosity, and a constant desire to learn. She’s currently balancing full-time work while studying advanced surveying, a testament to her dedication to professional growth.

Her advice for anyone interested in this field?

"Stay curious and embrace every opportunity to learn. The coastal environment is always changing, and so are the skills we need to protect it."

Whether it’s capturing bathymetric data, modernising systems, or travelling to some of the most beautiful coastal locations in South Australia, Kia’s work ensures our beaches and coastlines remain sustainable for generations to come.

"I pinch myself sometimes. To think I went from volunteering to leading such meaningful work - I wouldn’t change a thing."