2027 Rural Placement Student

Location: Northampton

Salary: Competitive

Interview date: November/December 2026

Start date: July - September 2027

We are looking for ambitious students with a background in/knowledge of the sector to join our growing Rural team in Northampton on a 12-month sandwich placement.

Our dedicated Rural team advises landowners (both private and institutional), farmers and rural businesses on a wide range of property and land management matters. From diversification and development opportunities to renewable energy schemes, compulsory purchase, natural capital and biodiversity initiatives, we help clients make the most of their assets and prepare for the future. With exposure to both traditional rural practice and emerging opportunities across the sector, the team delivers trusted advice on the management, development and valuation of rural property throughout the UK.

This is a varied and rewarding placement opportunity that offers early responsibility, exposure to a diverse range of clients and the chance to develop your technical and commercial skills within a supportive team environment.

Working alongside experienced rural surveyors, you'll gain hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of rural practice, helping clients unlock the value and potential of their assets while supporting the delivery of high-quality professional advice.

Your role will include:

• Supporting the management of rural estates and property portfolios.

• Assisting with valuation advice and the valuation of rural property interests.

• Contributing to the sale, letting and acquisition of farms, estates and land.

• Providing support on a wide range of professional consultancy matters affecting rural businesses and landowners.

• Assisting with environmental scheme applications, natural capital projects and emerging opportunities within the rural sector.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and professional contacts.

• Collaborating with colleagues across the business to deliver successful outcomes and support the continued growth of the team.

Clients are at the heart of everything we do. From the outset, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with landowners, farmers and rural businesses, attending client meetings, preparing reports and communications, and contributing to the delivery of trusted, long-term advice. This exposure will help you develop the confidence, commercial awareness and technical expertise needed to build a successful career in rural surveying.

What will it take to be successful?

We're looking for ambitious and forward-thinking placement students who are excited by the opportunities and challenges shaping the rural sector. You'll be naturally curious, commercially aware and motivated to develop innovative solutions for clients, while balancing the long-term stewardship of land, property and rural businesses.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing a varied workload, building strong relationships and approaching challenges with confidence and initiative. We value individuals who are willing to ask questions, bring fresh perspectives and contribute new ideas, while learning from the experience and expertise of those around them.

Whilst a RICS-accredited degree is advantageous, we welcome applications from placement students of all degree disciplines who can demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing a career in Rural Surveying. Experience gained through placements, internships or work experience within a rural practice or related environment will be beneficial.

Above all, we're looking for individuals who are eager to learn, embrace change and help our clients navigate an evolving rural landscape.

Candidates will demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, a collaborative approach to working with others, and proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite. Given the nature of the role and the need to travel to client meetings, properties and rural locations, a full UK driving licence is essential.

Our promise to you:

We offer a supportive team environment and the opportunity to develop your knowledge of all aspects of rural surveying in our offices. Independence and individual responsibility will develop as candidates gain experience throughout the 12-month placement year.

At Carter Jonas, we're committed to supporting graduates and placement students throughout their professional development. Those working towards the APC will benefit from a structured training programme designed to develop the technical knowledge, professional competencies and confidence required to achieve chartership.

Our APC candidates receive support from dedicated supervisors and counsellors, alongside access to workshops, mock assessments, networking opportunities and learning sessions delivered by experienced colleagues from across the business. Candidates also benefit from insights and guidance from recently qualified surveyors, helping them navigate the APC process with confidence.

This collaborative approach ensures candidates are well supported throughout their journey, while gaining exposure to a diverse range of work and experiences that contribute towards their professional development. APC support and funding are available to those undertaking an eligible RICS-accredited pathway.

Application process

You will be asked to respond to a number of questions about your work experience as well as your motivations and interest in a career in property as well as any extracurricular activities. We ask you to provide reference contact details, one educational and one employment. If successful, you will be invited to attend an interview in November.

AI use in our recruitment process

At Carter Jonas we support the advancements in technology to help grow our business. However, people remain at the core of who we are, and this is instilled into our recruitment process. You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process, however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process.

Win a 2027 Internship place!

You can have the chance to win an internship with us next summer! We are offering one student a chance to join us for a 4-week paid internship. To enter, please complete the form by 16th of October 2026. The winner will be drawn at random on 23rd October 2026.