Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Project Manager, Chartered Surveyor
Chartered Project Management Surveyors act as the client’s representative and ‘single point of contact’ on a construction project. The Project Manager (PM) leads, directs, co-ordinates and supervises the project in association with the project team. The PM will assist the client in putting together a business case to meet the client’s expectations and aspirations for the project.
Videos on the Web
- Surveyor- from: Youtube Search
- Chartered Surveyer- from: SCSI [Ire] Video
- Chartered Surveyor- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
Working Life
Surveyors carry out surveys of all types of property (buildings, land, and possessions such as livestock) and natural resources (including those on land and at sea, for example deposits of minerals).
Surveyors specialise in one of many types of surveying, but the work generally involves tasks such as:
- taking measurements
- mapping, valuing and assessing the property or natural resources
- managing, planning, developing, and calculating costs of projects.
The surveyor measures distances, directions and angles between points. They also research legal records and look for evidence of previous boundaries. They then have to verify the accuracy of existing data and prepare plots, maps and reports.
Surveyors will need to use sophisticated electronic equipment and computers to collect, manage and analyse survey data.
Once a survey is complete, surveyors manage and analyse the information. They then write and present a report to clients or other professionals such as cartographers, engineers, architects and planners. The report may contain data, ideas and recommendations so that any necessary work can be done, for example so that maps can be produced or so a construction project can begin.
When carrying out site work, surveyors must stick to health and safety regulations.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
- Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
- Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
- Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Further Information
- Building Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- General Practice Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Land Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Planning and Development Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Rural Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Technical Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Surveyor
As a surveyor, you need to be good at maths and able to use computers and other electronic equipment. Experience of computer-aided design (CAD) is useful. You should have an analytical mind, a methodical approach to your work and be able to pay attention to detail. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for passing information to other professionals and clients. You will also need a wide knowledge of construction, economics and law. You need to be up to date with EU regulations and laws.
Interests - Surveyor
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.
Entry / Progression - Surveyor
To gain a professional recognition as a surveyor in Ireland you first need to complete a degree accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) 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.
Many colleges and universities throughout the country offer courses in surveying. A full list of accredited degrees is available on the SCSI website.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, CAD, CNC, design, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, property management and services, auctioneering, estate management.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Finance, Sales, Auctioneering.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, auctioneering, economics, finance.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business, real estate management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
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.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Surveyor
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €110k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
SCSI / CPL/ Morgan McKinley / Sigmar/ Brighwater/ Excel/ Osborne/ Clark
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Surveyor
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Architects; Town planners; Quantity surveyors; Chartered surveyors; Chartered architectural technologists.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.
The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Surveyor
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Construction Industry Federation
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Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland
- The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
- (01) 6445500
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Society of Chartered Surveyors
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Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
- RICS Contact Centre, Suveryor Court, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JE, United Kingdom
- +44 (0)24 7686 8555
- [email protected]
- Click Here
