Rural surveyor
Help farms and estates make the most of their land. You'll advise people on how to manage their land sustainably and protect wildlife.
Also known as: agricultural surveyor
About the job
What it's like
You would help the owners of farms and estates to make the most of their land.
Tasks vary, but you might:
Manage the day-to-day running of the estate
Look after the accounts
Produce financial forecasts
Give advice on legal and tax issues
Deal with grant and subsidy applications
Negotiate land access, for example with utility or mining and quarrying companies
Work out the value of property, machinery, crops or animals
Arrange and conduct auctions
Make computer maps of the landscape using special software and tools
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You will:
work in conservation and advise on ways to enhance and protect landscapes
carry out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
Find out more about green jobs.
It would be important to have a good understanding of the commercial and environmental issues related to farming, forestry and other rual industries. You would also need a sound knowledge of UK and EU agricultural and land-use regulations.
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- topographic surveying
- land management
- farming
- construction surveying
- geographic information systems
- 3d modeling
- forestry
- surveying
- renewable energy
- property management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 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:
Environmental Science
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Applications of Mathematics
A degree (SCQF Level 9) in areas such as:
Agriculture
Rural business management
Countryside management
Business studies
Geography
Or a related subject such as civil engineering, construction or economics.
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 can enter a Quantity or Building Surveying 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) you will usually require National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BBCC or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
Entry to a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) usually requires an honours degree in a relevant subject.
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).
Once in work you will become an Associate member of the RICS (AssocRICS) and complete a period of supervised, structured on-the-job training and an Assessment of Professional Competence.
You will need a driving licence for most jobs.
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