Technical surveyor

surveying technician
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Construction and building
Produce

Career outlook for technical surveyor

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£18,000

Experienced

£28,000


Currently employed in Scotland

2,500

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would carry out tasks to help chartered surveyors, architects and engineers.

You could work across all branches of surveying. These include building, land, planning, quantity, general practice and minerals.

You would:

  • Draught plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Work out project costs
  • Gather data to write plans and reports
  • Help with environmental impact assessments
  • Survey buildings or map land use using specialised tools
  • Value land, property and machinery for purchase, sale, tax and insurance purposes
  • Organise the auction of assets
  • Manage building staff
  • Schedule workloads and check the progress of projects
  • Put together contracts, tenders and bids

Working conditions

Hours

Your normal working hours would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, earlier starts, late finishes and weekend working can be common, depending on the project.

Environment

Your time would be split between office and on-site work.

Travel

You would spend a lot of your time carrying out site visits. A driving licence may be helpful.

UK employment status

Full-time

79%

Part-time

9%

Self employed

11%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Working with technology
  • Problem solving
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Negotiating
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are different routes into this role:

A Modern Apprenticeship within a surveying or construction firm

A Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in construction, surveying or civil engineering. Courses should be accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).

You could enter directly a job with some subjects at Standard Grade, National 5 (SCQF level 5) and Highers (SCQF level 6) and be trained by your employer.

Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6. 

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. 

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses)
  • Maths (required by most courses)
  • Business management
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Science subjects
  • Technologies subjects

You will also need

Staff on construction sites must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent.You will need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.

You will require a driving licence for most jobs.