Land surveyor
Look at, measure and map an area of land to check if it can be used for an engineering and construction project.
Also known as: geomatics surveyor
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£962
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£4,167
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£50,000
Experienced
7,300
people are currently employed
High growth
600 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: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would measure and assess an area of land to check if it can be used for civil engineering and construction projects. You’d collect and analyse data to map the shape of land.
Projects could range from building roads, tunnels and bridges, to land development, mining and quarrying or the installation of power and water supply networks – including renewable energy systems.
You would do initial surveys of potential sites and assess the impact on the environment to check whether construction plans are workable.
You’d use surveying instruments and GPS (global positioning system) technology to get the exact coordinates of site features. This is called geospatial measurement.
As you gather information you would also produce digital images of the sites (photogrammetry). You’d map land use with satellite photography (remote sensing). You’d use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse and interpret site features. This is called geomatics.
During the project you’d monitor land movement and subsidence caused by the construction or by natural processes (geomechanics).
You would use computer-aided design software and other cartographic techniques to create 2D and 3D charts and maps.
Some surveyors specialise in hydrographic surveying to map inshore and offshore features, covering:
Natural waterways and canals for environmental projects
Dredging operations
Navigational charts
Oil and gas exploration
Undersea mining
Locating and salvaging sunken ships
Assessing location suitability for offshore wind farms
For hydrographic work, you might need experience of navigation and using small boats.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Energy Construction and built environment
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:
- taking responsibility
- negotiating
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
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:
Environmental Science
Geography
Mathematics
Physics
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
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.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), preferably in subjects such as:
Geomatics
Geographic information science
Surveying
Mapping science
If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).
Or you can enter a job with qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6 and study part-time for a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Once in work there will be a period of supervised practical training and Assessment of Professional Competence.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
You may require a driving licence for some jobs.
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