Building standards officer (local authority)
In this job, you would make sure that people involved in construction projects understand and apply the standards that make buildings safe.
Also known as: building standards surveyor
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£423
Entry level
£1,154
Experienced
Monthly
£1,833
Entry level
£5,000
Experienced
Yearly
£22,000
Entry level
£60,000
Experienced
598
people are currently employed
Low growth
104 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Scottish Government
What it's like
Do you have an interest in buildings, construction and keeping people safe? Do you have good attention to detail, are able to problem solve and enjoy working with IT? If so, a job as a building standards officer may be for you.
You’d work with members of the public, architects, designers, builders and engineers as they plan and construct building projects ranging from a small house extension to a large-scale development.
What you'll do:
Assess building plans and specifications to determine compliance with building regulations
Prepare and issue technical reports to designers and architects
Work with designers and architects to find the best solutions for their clients
Visit sites to inspect building work during development
Liaise with developers and their clients as work progresses
If you decide that a building project does not meet regulations, you would work with the applicant to make changes to the plans and ensure the work meets the Scottish building regulations
If a building has been damaged, for example by fire or bad weather, then you would survey the building and advise the owners what they need to do to make it safe. If it cannot be repaired then you would approve its demolition
You may also on occasion check the safety at public venues like sports grounds, open-air events, cinemas and theatres and authorise entertainment licenses for events in terms of electrical work, structures and fire safety
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- negotiating
- making decisions
- researching
- questioning
- observation
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need. Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they do ask for relevant experience, usually work based.
You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.
Many Building Standard Officers will have qualifications in subjects, such as:
Building surveying
Structural/Civil engineering
Architecture
Construction management
Apprenticeships
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Civil engineering
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Construction: Building
Construction: Technical
Construction: Civil engineering
Project management
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Construction and the built environment
Civil engineering
Anyone considering a Building Standards career who already has a trade in construction or a construction background may find conversion courses are a suitable route into the profession, with other support being available to them whilst in post.
Qualifications that show experience with the built environment and construction.
A driving licence is useful.
As public service professionals work with public safety at the heart of everything they do, you would be expected to engage in regular continual professional development (CPD) to learn new skills and specialisms to enhance your career, stay proficient, competent and adjust to industry disruption and challenges.
Professional Bodies
A number of professional bodies recognise Building Standards as a profession. Many of the skills required in the Building Standards profession can be accredited by professional bodies. Professional bodies also offer courses to improve skills and knowledge. These bodies are:
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) • Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) • Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) • Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
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