John Sydney-Smith
Managing Director
John has a wealth of experience in the civil construction industry. Originally qualifying as an Engineering Surveyor, he has honed his professional skills working as both an Engineering Surveyor, Supervisor and Project Manager on large-scale subdivisions, earthworks, roadworks, water, wastewater and utility services for both private and government organisations.
From 1985 John worked part time, while completing his studies for a Diploma in Surveying, for the City of Bunbury, Bunbury Water Board and Fowler Surveys. These part time roles included construction set out and as constructed surveys for road works, water main and subdivision construction.
In 1988 John was successful in obtaining a position as a cadet Engineering Surveyor with Survey and Mapping Group (SAM), based in Kalgoorlie. The position was created to assist the project surveyor during the construction of the Granny Smith Goldmine in Laverton. SAM was the client surveyor, responsible for all survey requirements onsite including pegging of the mining lease boundaries, process plant as constructed surveys prior to concrete pour, bore field pipeline and tailing dams. John finished with SAM late 1990.
From 1991 to 1993 John worked for the City of Bunbury, As the project surveyor he completed the construction survey for Mindalong Heights and College Grove subdivisions, together with miscellaneous road and stormwater drainage projects.
In 1993 he was seconded by the Bunbury Water Board, from the City of Bunbury, taking on the role of Asset Management Coordinator. This role also incorporated the surveying role for water main design, construction and as constructed survey.
From 1998 to 2000 he worked for Ideal Contractors as a Construction Supervisor. In this role he completed an infill sewerage project in Bunbury and another in Cranbrook. He also completed several subdivisions within the Southwest region.
John completed two infill sewerage projects in the Northern Territory. The first at Docker River was a joint venture with the Australian Army 17th Construction Squadron. The army completed the pump stations and effluent ponds, with Ideal Contractors completing the 3500m of deep sewerage and 80 house connections. The second was the Kintore infill sewerage project. This comprised 2 x 7.0m depth pump stations, 1500m of 150mm pressure main, six effluent ponds, 4500m of deep sewer from depths 6.0m to 1.5m and 86 house connections.
From 2000 to 2003 John was employed as a Project Manager with Correct Line Drainage. He was responsible for all aspects of the tendering process, contract negotiation, ordering materials, managing project budgets, construction safety, progress claims and invoicing. Works included bulk earthworks, retaining walls, infill sewerage projects, sewerage and watermain extensions.
In 2004 John and former partner Steve Archer, started a small civil construction company which has now grown to be the Geographe Civil. As the Managing Director of Geographe Civil, John is responsible for setting the company’s strategic and financial goals, ensuring long-term stability and growth. With a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, he oversees the implementation of legislative, statutory, and quality assurance requirements for employees and sub-contractors. John ensures compliance with all current operational policies and procedures related to safety, health and the environment.
In addition to driving business development through marketing, networking, and identifying tender opportunities, John is actively involved in the tender process, including preparation and review. He also plays a key role in the mobile plant acquisition, planning and approval process, ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet project demands. Supporting both the General Manager and Operations Manager in daily business operations, John is dedicated to the ongoing success and growth of Geographe Civil.