what is a land surveyor?
As a land surveyor, you chart and measure sites. You compile information about natural and man-made features, buildings and boundaries, and map the shape of the land to make accurate plans. Your site plans are be used by architects and civil engineers to plan construction projects or in many other applications. Land surveyors, also known as Geomatics specialists, can find careers in property, planning, cartography, oil and gas exploration, and a variety of other fields. You might assess land due for redevelopment or work on a variety of sites, including airports, pipelines, landfill sites, mines and quarries.
The scope of work of a land surveyor includes both office and outdoor work on sites. You analyse Geographic Information System (GIS) data, aerial and satellite photography, and archive maps and charts. You measure angles, distances and elevations of the site ground and features using optical instruments and Global Positioning System (GPS). You use computer-aided design (CAD) and other software to interpret data and present your findings.
what does a land surveyor do?
As a land surveyor, you work with other specialists on projects, including architects, engineers, and planners. You use your analytical skills and creative thinking to help resolve practical planning and development problems.
Would working as a land surveyor suit your analytical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a land surveyor role.
- Unsure about surveying and want to know more about the different types of surveyors? See 'what do surveyors do?' for a breakdown of the different types.
average salary of a land surveyor
According to GoConstruct, the average salary of a land surveyor is £20,000 to £70,000 depending on seniority and qualifications.
As a land surveyor, your starting salary will be £20,000 - £25,000. You can then gain experience and study for your chartered status. Chartered surveyors earn £25,000 - £40,000 depending on location, level of responsibility and employer. As a senior surveyor, however, you can earn up to £70,000. At this point, you will be managing projects and contracts or specialising in a field such as construction surveying or offshore work.
Many surveyors work in large general engineering and construction companies, while others work in specialist surveying firms. With experience and specialist skills, you might expect to have a senior position in such a company, or you might become self-employed as a contractor.
types of land surveyor
- quantity surveyor: As a quantity surveyor, you control the costs, risks and legal standards of a construction project. You produce estimates of materials and costs of the work. While the project is in progress, you track changes to the contract and produce reports to show how they affect profitability. For more information see 'what does a quantity surveyor do?'
- building surveyor: A building surveyor produces detailed reports on the condition of buildings, identifying defects and options for repair, maintenance, and restoration. In this role, you might assess existing buildings, buildings under construction, or buildings of architectural or historic significance. For more information see 'what does a building surveyor do?'
- hydrographic surveyor: In this role, you use instruments to map the sea bed, harbours or waterways. You produce plans for use in offshore installations such as wind farms.
working as a land surveyor
Want to know what it's like to work as a land surveyor? Read on to find out exactly what to expect from this role.
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land surveyor job description
The balance of your duties and responsibilities will depend on where you are working and how senior you are; a land surveyor's work includes:
- researching site information: You collect data on the site from GIS, satellite and aerial mapping, and previous geological surveys. You prepare a review of the conditions, topsoil and bedrock, what structures and underground works are present, and whether there is pollution.
- conducting site surveys: As part of a team, you go to the site and measure the layout. You use optical, GPS and other instruments and take samples to confirm the information that you have already gathered and to find differences.
- producing site reports and plans: You compile the information you have gathered into a report for the use of the client. You use your industry knowledge and experience to provide the information needed by architects, civil engineers and project managers in maps and charts.
- project management: As you gain experience, you take on responsibility for leading projects and for working as the lead specialist in large project teams. You lead junior surveyors and technicians in compiling reports and be the representative of your company to the client and the other specialists on the project. You take responsibility for deadlines and budgets, managing the costs, activities and safety of your team on site.
- company management: As you gain seniority in a large company, you might become a department manager with responsibility for costs, staff and turnover. In a specialist surveying company, you wear all the hats, managing sales, client relations, staff, and doing your own project work.
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work environment
As a land surveyor, you work both indoors and outdoors. You spend time in the office compiling data and preparing maps and reports, and in project meetings discussing the reports with your colleagues. You also spend a large amount of your time on sites in all weathers conducting surveys. You might work abroad either short-term on a project or for a period of months or years on a large development. If you specialise in quantity surveying, you work in building site offices and on construction sites, or if you specialise in offshore work, you could spend time at sea.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include civil engineers, architects and construction managers. You might also be working in close proximity to property developers and planners, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, structural engineers, offshore engineers, cartographers and environmental specialists.
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work schedule
As a land surveyor, you generally work 9-5 in the office and a five-day week. You could work longer hours and over weekends on particular projects or if there is a tight deadline. On site, you work during daylight hours, weather and safety permitting, with extra time spent travelling to and from the site. There is a lot of travel involved in your work, and you should expect to be away from home frequently, staying near project sites. When you are working abroad, almost all your time will be spent on-site or in project meetings at local offices.
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job outlook
Land surveying and geomatics is a fast-growing discipline and is in demand in a wide range of sectors. GIS and satellite surveying technology are constantly advancing, and mapping and spatial data management are in demand in regulation and social sciences as well as construction.
As a land surveyor, your skills will be in demand in:
- construction
- civil engineering
- local authorities
- property development
- mining and resource development
- rail companies
- utilities companies
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advantages of finding a land surveyor job through randstad
Finding your land surveyor job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a land surveyor is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Many people become land surveyors by completing a university degree accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. These include:
- land or estate surveying
- civil or structural engineering
- geology or physical geography
- geographical information science
- earth science
- environmental science
Other degrees might be accepted if you have included surveying modules in your course. For example, with an initial degree in geomatics, geography, engineering, physics or maths, you could take a postgraduate degree or conversion course. With an HNC or foundational degree, you can find a job as a surveying technician, assistant surveyor or mapping assistant and study while working. Or you could find a modern apprenticeship and train while working as an assistant surveyor.
skills and competencies
In surveying jobs, a very specific set of skills is required. For a land surveyor those skills include:
- attention to detail: You prepare the plans and surveys to be used by major construction and engineering works. Precision is paramount for success.
- analytical thinking: As you compile your reports, you point out the implications for the project of your findings. You collaborate with your colleagues to solve problems and make sure this information is relayed team-wide.
- excellent communication skills: As you will always be working on a project team, and your job entails communicating your findings to that team, your ability to effectively relay information to various stakeholders will be well-practised.
- computer skills and other technologies: As well as demonstrating core skills in engineering science, technology, maths and geography, you will be experienced in using CAD and GIS software to compile site reports. Your instrument usage will be highly advanced and include positioning systems and data logging. You will also use office and project management software.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a land surveyor
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what does a land surveyor do?
A land surveyor maps and measures a site then compiles details of the site features into a report for a client. They provide the information used by architects and civil engineers to plan projects.
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how much does it cost for land surveying?
The cost of land surveying varies with the size of the project and the location of the site. A small site that is easily accessible would require less time and fewer surveyors than a large site or one that is difficult to reach.
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is land surveyor a good career?
Land surveyor skills are in great demand in a wide variety of industries, including private and public sectors. Land surveyors find work in construction, civil engineering, offshore engineering, mapping, regulation, heritage, and many others.
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do surveyors make good money?
Surveyors earn salaries that are comparable to other engineering consultancy specialisms. They can also benefit from overtime and unsocial hours for site work, as well as expenses for working away from home.
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what is a land surveyor's salary?
A land surveyor's salary starts at £20,000 to £25,000 and goes to £40,000 - £70,000 with experience, qualifications and seniority.
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how do I apply for a land surveyor vacancy?
Applying for a land surveyor job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
