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Technical surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include Surveying technician

Technical surveyors carry out tasks to support chartered surveyors, architects and engineers.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become a technical surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • construction
  • building surveying
  • civil engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree

More information

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job, which may help when applying for a trainee position. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying
  • Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course

More information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More information

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional development training, industry news and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about surveying careers and training from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • you will be expected to know how to use a computer and tools to benefit this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • draughting plans using CAD software
  • estimating and drawing up project costs
  • gathering and analysing data for plans and reports
  • assisting with environmental impact assessments
  • surveying buildings or mapping land use
  • valuing land, property and machinery
  • organising the sale of assets by auction
  • supervising construction operatives on site
  • scheduling workloads and monitoring the progress of projects

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or in an office.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a self-employed consultant, or go into partnership with a chartered surveyor.

You could move into a managerial role, or a related job like town planner or wayleave officer, where you'll negotiate land purchase and access arrangements for utility companies.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

  • Wage : £190.00 Weekly
  • Location: Bristol BS37 9TZ

Estates Surveyor Apprentice

  • Wage : £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: IP4 1BY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma In Residential Surveying and Valuation (Milton Keynes May 2019)

  • Provider: Sava Ltd
  • Start date: 21 May 2019
  • Location: MILTON KEYNES

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
  • Start date: 01 September 2019
  • Location: Liverpool
Find courses near you

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