Urban general practice surveyor

Urban general practice surveyor job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical responsibilities include:

• undertaking property and land surveys or valuations
• writing reports (often technical) for mortgage and investment valuations and building surveys
• liaison with professionals such as architects, structural engineers and town planners
• taking precise measurements of buildings and sites
• advising about/purchasing and selling property/land on behalf of clients
• advising clients about building/property issues including technical, financial, legal, environmental, building regulation and restoration matters
• managing property on behalf of landlords
• planning and overseeing building work and monitoring progress.

Typical employers of urban general practice surveyors

• local authorities
• government departments
• private practices
• utilities
• financial institutions
• charities
• housing associations
• property developers
• large commercial organizations
• estate agents
• construction companies
• architects.

Many surveyors are self-employed.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies, in newspapers, and in publications including Property Week, Estates Gazette, Building and Opportunities.

Qualifications and training required

To qualify as a chartered surveyor you must have a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification that meets the academic requirements of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You must also have a minimum of two years vocational experience.

Although graduates from any background can become surveyors, most current surveyors have degrees in subjects such as construction, planning, architecture, building and surveying.

Graduates from non-accredited degree disciplines must undertake a one-year postgraduate conversion course. Relevant experience gained via casual employment, vacation work or placements can be of particular benefit.

Key skills for urban general practice surveyors

• confidence
• enthusiasm
• excellent numerical skills
• interpersonal skills
• communication skills
• team working skills.