Rural surveyor
Rural surveyors provide business services to landowners and farmers, like property valuation, land management and auctioneering.
Also known as: Agricultural surveyor
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a rural surveyor, you could:
- survey and value land, farms, rural buildings and other assets
- advise clients on legal and tax issues
- manage planning applications and produce financial forecasts
- investigate ways to reuse land and assess potential redevelopments
- handle lease negotiations. rent reviews and contract disputes
- work closely with architects, construction staff and engineers
Working environment
You could work on a country estate, on a farm or in the countryside.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of geography
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- customer service skills
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a rural surveyor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme or online learning
University
You can study for a degree in surveying, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or approved by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers .
Employers will often accept other subjects, such as:
- geography
- geographic information science
- rural estate and land management
- land use and environmental management
- rural business management
- environment and sustainable development
You can do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to 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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes around 5 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with university study.
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 degree apprenticeship
Other routes
If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate training scheme with a surveying practice. Your employer would put you through a structured training programme.
You can also study for a degree or postgraduate qualification in surveying or real estate management through the University of the Built Environment. These courses are done through supported online learning.
Restrictions and requirements
You're likely to need a driving licence to visit clients around the country.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- specialise in a particular area of rural surveying like valuations and sales
- become a senior rural surveyor or a partner in a private practice
- become a self-employed consultant
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers for professional development training and networking opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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