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Planning and development surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include

Planning and development surveyors assess, design and manage development projects in towns, cities and rural areas.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a planning and development surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Relevant subjects include:

  • surveying
  • business studies
  • economics
  • estate management
  • land and property development

If your degree is in a different subject, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You could take a college course and enter the profession at technician or higher technician level and then take further professional qualifications or a degree apprenticeship.

Courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Construction
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • level 6 Chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship
  • level 4 Land referencer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician, and take further training on the job to qualify as a surveyor.

Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a planning and development surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • research market data, like land and property records
  • analyse figures using computer software
  • assess whether plans are workable
  • present your recommendations to clients
  • oversee planning applications
  • raise finances from funding bodies, investment companies and development agencies
  • negotiate contracts and tenders
  • advise clients about financial and legal matters, like compulsory purchases
  • work out the likely economic, social and environmental impact of a development

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or visit sites.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to project or senior management roles, go into partnership in private practice, or become self-employed as a consultant. 

You could also move into other areas of surveying or town planning.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Real Estate Degree Apprentice Surveyor

  • Wage: £10,433.28 to £20,589.92 Annually
  • Location: Preston

Apprentice Building Surveyor

  • Wage: £21,505.00 Annually
  • Location: Waterdale, Doncaster

Courses In England

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: HERTFORD REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Turnford

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: ENERGY COAST UTC
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Workington

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