What is a Surveying Technician?

A Surveying Technician is a professional who plays a vital role in the field of surveying and construction. Their primary responsibility is to support chartered surveyors by assisting with various tasks related to surveying projects.

What Does a Surveying Technician Do?

Surveying Technicians are professionals who play a crucial role in the field of surveying and construction. They work closely with chartered surveyors and provide hands-on support in various surveying specializations, including building, land, rural, and commercial surveys. Here’s a closer look at their role:

Administrative Support

• Surveying Technicians carry out a range of administrative tasks associated with each surveying project. This includes tasks like organizing documents and writing reports.

Utilizing Technical Tools

• They use complex computer programs and technical equipment both on-site and in the office.
• This equipment is used to create reports, survey drawings, and assess various aspects of each project.
• Surveying Technicians are responsible for gathering data and information needed for accurate surveying.

Communication Skills

• Since they work closely with other professionals and clients, strong communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for effective collaboration.

How to Become a Surveying Technician

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Surveying Technician, here’s a breakdown of the path to follow:

Entry Requirements

• There are several routes to enter this profession, one of which involves completing a relevant course at a college to gain the basic skills required for the job.
• Suitable introductory courses include the Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or CMI Engineering for Technicians.
• These courses provide candidates with a useful foundation of knowledge that can be built upon when pursuing more advanced qualifications.
• Alternatively, the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) offers work-based training for young people aged 16-24 in England. Applicants must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs/National 5s (C or above) or equivalent.
• CSTT apprentices undergo a 2-year training program and, upon completion, have the option to study for a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited degree.

Apprenticeships

• Another route for school leavers is to apply for the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Surveying. Apprentices typically work towards gaining an industry-recognized qualification, such as an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in areas like Quantity Surveying Practice, Valuation, Spatial Data Management, or Town Planning.

Professional Development

• Once you’ve acquired the relevant qualifications, you’ll need to accumulate 12 months of industry experience (2 years with a vocational qualification such as a HND/NVQ/SVQ).
• You can then work towards becoming an Associate Member of the RICS (AssocRICS).
• This process involves a period of assessment, including a summary of experience, evaluation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over 12 months, a 2,500-word case study of a recent project, and an ethics test.
• After successfully achieving AssocRICS status, further training opportunities, such as NVQs, may help you specialize in a particular area of surveying.

Surveying Technician Salary

Now, let’s discuss the financial aspect of being a Surveying Technician:

• Entry-level salaries for Surveying Technicians generally range from £18,000 to £22,000 per year.
• With experience, you can expect to earn around £25,000.
• At senior levels or with additional qualifications, your salary can reach up to £32,000 or higher, with salaries generally higher in London.

Career Prospects and Progression

Wondering what the future holds for a Surveying Technician? Let’s explore:

• Surveying Technicians have the opportunity to progress in their careers. They could become consultants, partners in surveying firms, or even transition into related sectors like town planning or chartered surveying.
• Self-employment is also an option, giving you the freedom to manage your projects and clients.
• The satisfaction of contributing to important projects and the potential to work overseas are among the advantages of this profession.
• However, it’s important to note that earning potential in this role may not be as high as some other positions in surveying, and the hours can be long and unpredictable during busy periods.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Considering a career as a Surveying Technician? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Advantages

• Job satisfaction is likely to be high as you provide invaluable support on a variety of important projects.
• There is the opportunity to become self-employed or work overseas, offering flexibility in your career.

Disadvantages

• Earning potential may not be as high as some other roles in surveying.
• Working hours can be long and unpredictable, especially during busy times or for specific site visits.

Related Opportunities

If surveying and construction intrigue you but you’re exploring other options within the field, consider these related opportunities:

• Civil Engineer: Civil Engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Construction Supervisor/Manager: Construction supervisors and managers oversee construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Quantity Surveyor: Quantity Surveyors manage project finances, costs, and contracts within the construction industry.

Further Information

For additional resources and information about surveying and related careers, you can visit the following websites:

• Chartered Association of Building Engineers: www.cbuilde.com
• Chartered Surveyors Training Trust: www.cstt.org.uk
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: www.rics.org