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Rural surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include Agricultural surveyor

Rural surveyors provide business services to landowners and farmers, like property valuation, land management and auctioneering.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Rural surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme or online learning

University

You can study for a degree in surveying, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or approved by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Employers will often accept other subjects, such as:

  • geography
  • geographic information science
  • rural estate and land management
  • land use and environmental management
  • rural business management
  • environment and sustainable development

You can do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 5 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with university study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate training scheme with a surveying practice. Your employer would put you through a structured training programme.

You can also study for a degree or postgraduate qualification in surveying or real estate management through the University College of Estate Management. These courses are done through supported online learning.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers for professional development training and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in surveying from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of geography
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You're likely to need a driving licence to visit clients around the country.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a rural surveyor, you could:

  • survey and value land, farms, rural buildings and other assets
  • advise clients on legal and tax issues
  • manage planning applications and produce financial forecasts
  • investigate ways to reuse land and assess potential redevelopments
  • handle lease negotiations. rent reviews and contract disputes
  • work closely with architects, construction staff and engineers

Working environment

You could work on a country estate, on a farm or in the countryside.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • specialise in a particular area of rural surveying like valuations and sales
  • become a senior rural surveyor or a partner in a private practice
  • become a self-employed consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Building Surveyor

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: WOLVERHAMPTON SCIENCE PARK, GLAISHER DRIVE, WOLVERHAMPTON

Rural Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship Degree (MProf) 50:50 England/ Scotland

  • Wage: £35,000 a year Annually
  • Location: TATTON STREET, KNUTSFORD

Courses In England

Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 January 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

HNC Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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