Planning and development surveyor
Lead development projects to preserve buildings and communities – you could manage a sustainable land use project that gives an area a new lease of life.
About the job
What it's like
Planning and development surveyors play a key role in shaping how land and property are used and developed. You help make sure that projects meet legal, financial and environmental standards.
You'll focus on assessing land and property for development, regeneration or change of use. Surveyors work with local authorities, developers and landowners to guide projects from initial idea to completion. The work is rewarding because you see real results — new homes, workplaces or community spaces that benefit people.
You might be involved in site appraisals, negotiating planning permissions or advising on land values. Surveyors often prepare reports, manage budgets and consult with architects, engineers and planners. You could work in either the public or private sector. This could be with local councils, property consultancies, housing associations and large development firms.
Specialisms within the role include urban regeneration, environmental planning, commercial development and rural land management.
Your tasks might include:
assessing sites for development potential and constraints
preparing and submitting planning applications
negotiating with local authorities and stakeholders
advising clients on land use, values and regulations
carrying out site visits and inspections
researching planning policies and market trends
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
advise on sustainable land use and regeneration projects
support developments that improve energy efficiency or protect green spaces
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – a professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction
Chartered Institute of Building – find learning resources for a career in the built environment
Go Construct – discover informaiton about careers in construction
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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.
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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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- resourceful
- written communication
- verbal communication
- 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Environmental Science
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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Applications of Mathematics
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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 should study a degree (SCQF level 9/10) accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), preferably in:
land management
planning and property development
surveying
or urban planning
If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).
You could get 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 would then become an Associate member of RICS and complete a period of supervised structured on the job training (Assessment of Technical Competence).
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.
For entry to 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.
Once in a job you must hold a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on site. You will need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.
You will need a driving licence for some jobs.
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