Introduction

Chartered surveyors in local government are responsible for the management, valuation, development and measurement of land, property and buildings.

About 8,000 are employed in local government throughout the UK. They work for all types of authority.

Work Environment

Surveyors spend time on external sites but mostly work in an office writing reports, dealing with administration and preparing plans. Some travel to attend meetings is required.

Daily Activities

• Building surveyors are responsible for maintenance, repair and improvement of all types of property owned by the council. Some building surveyors specialise in administration of public health regulations, by-laws and improvement grants.
• Quantity surveyors control the cost of the council’s construction and engineering projects – from design to completion. Each piece of work is normally put out to tender and quantity surveyors will examine these and advise the council on technical aspects of the project. They also act on behalf of the council on applying for grants or subsidies which are available for certain specific improvements.
• Land surveyors measure and plot the positions of features on the land in order to produce maps and plans. Using precise instruments, they also work with other map-making professionals, analysing and interpreting maps and providing data and technical advice.
• Valuation surveyors negotiate sales, purchases and leases, advising the council on the value of houses, land, offices, shops, industrial and commercial premises.
• Planning and development surveyors specialise in all aspects of urban and rural planning, deciding on land and property use.
• Technical surveyors work alongside chartered surveyors, preparing reports and researching information.

Skills & Interests

Surveyors need an orderly and logical mind, and ability in figure work and detail drawing. Excellent communication skills, and the ability to relate well with others (members of the public, fellow professionals, builders/contractors etc) are a must. The ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to be self reliant and able to work outdoors are also required.

Entry Requirements

Professional training is towards corporate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). To register as a student requires a degree, entry qualifications for which are five GCSEs/Standard Grades (grades A-C), two of which should be at A-level/Higher Grades or equivalent.

Graduates with a relevant accredited degree, such as in quantity surveying or estate management, follow this with a minimum of two years’ structured experience.

Graduates with a non-related degree first do a one-year full-time or two-year part-time accredited postgraduate course.

Minimum entry requirements are a BTEC/SQA HNC/D in a relevant subject such as property, the built environment or construction.

Alternatively, it is possible to train as a technical surveyor – for more information on this contact the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Qualified technical surveyors can move into training for Chartered Surveyors status.

Estimated salary range

£17,500 – £21,100 (building surveyor)

£20,700 – £24,000 (quantity surveyor)

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Surveyors are widely employed throughout local government. Opportunities for specialisation are greater in larger authorities.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors www.rics.org.uk

Construction Skills www.citb.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under BC.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Surveyor vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.