Quantity surveyor
Estimate and control the costs for a construction project so it's good value for money.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£481
Entry level
£1,538
Experienced
Monthly
£2,083
Entry level
£6,667
Experienced
Yearly
£25,000
Entry level
£80,000
Experienced
6,600
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'd estimate and control the costs for a construction project from the early design plans through to the completed building. You’d make sure that projects meet legal and quality standards.
Your client - the company or organisation which is paying for the building - would rely on you to make sure that the project is good value for money.
There are lots of different projects you could work on, including:
housing and industrial sites
retail and commercial developments
roads, railways and waterways
You would:
do feasibility studies to estimate the timescales and the costs of materials and labour
negotiate with suppliers and draw up bids for tenders and contracts
monitor the construction to make sure that costs are in line with forecasts
regularly report on the costs
advise your clients on legal and contractual matters
act on clients' behalf to resolve disputes
assess the financial costs of new environmental guidelines, such as using sustainable timber
You'd use computer software to carry out some of these tasks, and to keep records, prepare work schedules and write reports. You might also deal with the maintenance and renovation costs once buildings are in use.
It would be important to have a good knowledge of construction methods and materials. You’d also need to understand Building Regulations and other legal guidelines.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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:
- understanding
- analysing
- negotiating
- time management
- developing a plan
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- building relationships
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
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
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.
A degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in quantity surveying, or a related subject such as civil engineering, construction or economics, accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate conversion course (SCQF Level 11).
To enter a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BBCC or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
You could enter this role if you already work in a related job in the construction industry. Some employers may support you to study for a RICS-accredited qualification part-time.
Once in work, there will be a period of supervised practical training and Assessment of Professional Competence.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on site. You'll need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.
You'll need a driving licence for some jobs.
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