Estates officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

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

• building services engineering
• surveying
• construction management
• facilities management

You could do a qualification by distance learning through the University College of Estate Management .

You can also complete courses full time or part time. Flexible study may be an option if you're already working in the industry.

Entry requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to take an advanced apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities manager. You could do this while working in an estates office.

It will usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly if you've got experience and qualifications in a related career like property management, building health and safety or surveying.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• business management skills
• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Estates officers are responsible for managing and upkeeping land and property that belongs to local councils and public bodies.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• organise and check repairs and maintenance
• check that properties are being used correctly
• deal with tenancy applications and agreements
• set and review rent prices
• negotiate and advise on buying property
• work with other departments and organisations
• analyse financial and other data
• write and present reports
• keep up to date with building controls and environmental issues

Location : You could work in an office or from home.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £52,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience, you may be able to become a manager or specialise in a particular department or area, for example:

• rural estates
• charities or housing associations
• heritage or conservation sites

You may be able to take short courses as part of your job that will help you develop specialist skills.

The public sector often hires private companies to complete their estate work. This means there may be opportunities to move between the private and the public sector.