Planning and development surveyor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors . Relevant subjects include:

• surveying
• business studies
• economics
• estate management
• land and property development

If your degree is in a different subject, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements:

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

College

You could take a college course and enter the profession at technician or higher technician level and then take further professional qualifications or a degree apprenticeship.

Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Construction
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

• level 6 Chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship
• level 4 Land referencer

Entry requirements:

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

Work

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician, and take further training on the job to qualify as a surveyor.

OtherRoutes

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management .

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of geography
• analytical thinking skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• persistence and determination
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• leadership skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Planning and development surveyors assess, design and manage development projects in towns, cities and rural areas.

You could:

• research market data, like land and property records
• analyse figures using computer software
• assess whether plans are workable
• present your recommendations to clients
• oversee planning applications
• raise finances from funding bodies, investment companies and development agencies
• negotiate contracts and tenders
• advise clients about financial and legal matters, like compulsory purchases
• work out the likely economic, social and environmental impact of a development

Location : You could work at a client's business, in an office or visit sites.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could be promoted to project or senior management roles, go into partnership in private practice, or become self-employed as a consultant.

You could also move into other areas of surveying or town planning.