Land surveyor
Support land use planning and renewable energy projects. You'd look at, measure and map out areas of land to check if it's suitable.
Also known as: geomatics surveyor
About the job
What it's like
Land surveying is an important early step in any construction or engineering project. From the Queensferry Crossing to the Kelpies, it all starts with understanding and mapping the land before the first brick is laid.
You'll collect data about legal boundaries, existing structures and the shape and slopes of the land. This allows building plans to be created or changed as needed. It also means potential environmental issues can be identified before building work begins.
You might work on new construction projects, such as housing developments. Or you could deal with redevelopments of airports, quarries, pipelines and more.
You could work across a variety of sectors. For example:
construction
property
cartography (maps)
geographical information systems (GIS)
offshore engineering and exploration
Two common specialisms are engineering and hydrographic surveying. For engineering, think big infrastructure projects. For example, motorways, railways, bridges, tunnels and much more. In hydrographic surveying , you'll deal with underwater surfaces. You might work on offshore wind farms, oil and gas installations or salvaging sunken ships.
Your tasks might include:
using GPS, digital images and satellite photography to record land features
analysing data using geographic information systems (GIS)
use computer-aided design (CAD) to create maps and present information
preparing detailed site plans and reports for clients
inspecting sites for environmental or safety risks
monitoring land movement and subsidence caused by the construction or by natural processes
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
survey land for renewable energy projects like wind farms or solar parks
assess sites for conservation or flood prevention schemes
Hours
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday.
On some projects, you’ll work weekends.
Site visits or project demands can mean early starts or late finishes.
You may need to work extra hours or adjust your schedule to meet deadlines or accommodate weather conditions.
Environment
You’ll split your time between the office and the field.
You could work anywhere – bustling cities, remote and blustery windfarms, even aboard ships.
Expect to be outdoors in all types of weather as you use mapping equipment.
You'll spend periods of time working at a computer, using mapping software.
Travel
You'll often travel to sites to carry out surveys.
You may have to stay overnight on some projects.
You may travel a lot for large-scale projects, even back and forth between countries.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- negotiating
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), preferably in subjects such as:
Geomatics
Geographic information science
Surveying
Mapping science
If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).
Or you can enter a job with qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6 and study part-time for a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Once in work there will be a period of supervised practical training and Assessment of Professional Competence.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
You may require a driving licence for some jobs.
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