The Work

Project Management Surveyors are involved in a broad variety of work including; assessment of land and property use requirements and development, regeneration appraisal and related planning implementation processes in the public and private sector.

All construction projects – including housing estates, office developments, airport terminals, and national sports stadiums – that take a lot of money and expertise to complete and maintain.

Liaise with statutory agencies and act as the client’s representative when dealing with external regulatory organisations to facilitate the smooth running of the construction project to its successful conclusion.

Surveyors specialise in one of the following areas of construction:

• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying
• Project Management
• Facilities Management
• Planning & Development

Surveyors provide value for money through the efficient cost management of construction process – their objective is to control cost, limit risk and add value to the project ensuring that the design and construction of a project delivers value to the client.

Surveyors often act as a project managers – appointed at the beginning of a project, they assist the client in developing the project brief and then selecting, appointing and co-ordinating the project team.

View Society Chartered Surveyors Ireland What does a Surveyor do in their Career. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assign duties or responsibilities to project personnel.
• Communicate with key stakeholders to determine project requirements and objectives.
• Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
• Create project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
• Develop or update project plans including information such as objectives, technologies, schedules, funding, and staffing.
• Identify project needs such as resources, staff, or finances by reviewing project objectives and schedules.
• Identify, review, or select vendors or consultants to meet project needs.
• Monitor costs incurred by project staff to identify budget issues.
• Monitor project milestones and deliverables.
• Monitor the performance of project team members to provide performance feedback.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

To gain a professional recognition as a Project Management Surveyor in Ireland you first need to complete a degree accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Those with degree from other disciplines can still become a surveyor by taking an accredited property degree or postgraduate conversion course. 

Surveyors specialise in one of the following areas of construction & valuations:

• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying
• Project Management surveyor
• Property  
• Facilities Management
• Residential/ Rural/ Commercial surveyor
• Valuations surveyor
• Planning & development surveyor
• Geomatics
• Minerals & Mining survey

Training & Development 

Many colleges and universities throughout the country offer courses in surveying. A full list of accredited degrees is available on the SCSI website.

Candidates are advised to check individual institutions for course details.

The next step is to undertake a period of training in employment and complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is a structured practical training programme, which takes about two years to complete in the workplace, so you will need to be prepared to combine work and study.

The training structure is based on a set of skills known as ‘competences’, which are a mix of technical and professional practice skills along with interpersonal, financial, business and management skills.

Upon successful completion of the APC, you apply to become a member of the SCSI and the RICS.

Status as a chartered surveyor will accelerate career progression and support self-employment in private practice. As this is a globally recognised professional qualification, it will also be recognised if you wish to work overseas.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €110k

Salaris vary by employer, location, role, duties, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL/ Sigmar/ Excel Recruitment/ Azon

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the annual average employment growth over the five-year period for this occupation was only marginally above the national average, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022. 

Census data indicates that civlil engineers account for over half of the employment in this group: the strongest growth since 2016 was for production managers/directors. 

Both the new employment permits issued and the mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey point to issues in sourcing civil, site and structural engineers along with construction project managers. In addition, the Skills for Growth data signals issues with sourcing civil engineers (including for water infrastructure and sustainability) and structural engineer roles (especially those with project management skills).

Demand for this occupation was also evident in the 12% increase in the number of job postings (OVATE) for civil engineers in 2022, with growing demand for skills in project management, teamwork, communication and adaptability. Demand for these roles is expected to continue as Ireland aims to meet housing and climate action targets. With employment increasing and issues with recruitment evident, shortages are likely to continue. 

• Society of Chartered Surveyors

  • 5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2
  • (01) 644 5500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here