Land Surveyor

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends away from home

How To Become a Land Surveyor

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
a graduate training scheme

College / University

You'll usually need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

surveying
civil engineering
geomatics
geographical information science

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any sub

Apprenticeship

You could do a geospatial and mapping science degree apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme.

You could also get a graduate diploma in surveying by distance learning, with the University College of Estate Management, if you're working for a surveying practice.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
knowledge of geography
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
excellent verbal communication skills
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You'll collect and analyse data to map the land for civil engineering and construction projects. This will include:

carrying out surveys and checking possible effects on the environment
producing a map of the land, using GPS and surveying instruments
using digital images and satellite photos to create maps
collecting data and using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse it
monitoring whether the land has moved during construction or by natural processes
drawing charts and maps using computer aided design (CAD)

Working Environment

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

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move into project management or contract management. You could specialise in an aspect of surveying, or work as a self-employed consultant.

Applying for chartered status through RICS could improve your career prospects.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you can register with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a land surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Survey Association.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.