I am a
Artboard 1 copy 9

Rural surveyor

Rural surveyors value farms and areas of land, plan how land is used and advise clients.

Average annual salary

£22,000 to £43,000

Entry Icon Created with Sketch.

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors  or approved by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers .

There's no specific degree subject you need to become a rural surveyor. However, some relevant subjects include:

  • geographic information science
  • rural estate and land management
  • land use and environmental management
  • rural business management
  • surveying

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

Graduate training scheme

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme. Find out how to get a place on a graduate scheme .

Entry requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a surveying degree apprenticeship.

You can find out more about surveying apprenticeships from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors .

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

OtherRoutes

You could start as a trainee rural surveyor. You can find opportunities through organisations like the National Trust .

If you're already working for a surveying company, you could get a graduate diploma in surveying from the University College of Estate Management .

mouse Created with Sketch.

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 computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • excellent written communication skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • 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
  • leadership skills
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
Activity Created with Sketch.

What you'll do:

Rural surveyors value farms and areas of land, plan how land is used and advise clients.

In this role you could:

  • survey and value areas of land like farms and rural buildings
  • advise clients on legal and tax issues
  • look after accounts, manage applications and produce financial forecasts
  • plan how land is used and negotiate access to land with other companies
  • find creative ways to repurpose old buildings

Location : You could work on a country estate or on a farm.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Salary Created with Sketch.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Hours Created with Sketch.

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Path Icon Created with Sketch.

Career Path:

With experience you could:

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

Related Jobs

nav close Created with Sketch.

Sign up for updates

…for relevant info and news
straight to your inbox.

Sign me up