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.

The Work

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

• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Surveyor - from: N.C.S. [UK]

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 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.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, CAD & CNC design, Management in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, property management & services, Auctioneering & estate management, NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Finance, Sales, Auctioneering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Auctioneering, Economics, Finance NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Business, Real estate, Management NFQ level 9

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)* €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

* 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).

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. 

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

  • The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6445500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors

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

• 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