Quantity Surveyor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a quantity surveyor. Feel free to use our quantity surveyor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a quantity surveyor.
Who is a Quantity Surveyor?
A quantity surveyor is responsible for the estimation of costs and maintaining a budget in a construction company. By communicating with clients, workers, and the accounting department of a company, a quantity surveyor ensures that a project doesn’t exceed its budget. They visit construction sites often to assess the progress of a project, make sure it follows its budget, and do much of their work using computers.
A quantity surveyor uses a variety of professional skills that have been acquired through practice and training. Most quantity surveyors are based in the United Kingdom. They may also be called Chartered Quantity Surveyors if their membership is to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. They can also be found in Canada, the United States, and other countries.
From the time a project idea is created to the final walk-through after it is completed, quantity surveyors may be involved in it. They help to estimate the project’s cost by using their industry knowledge and experience from similar projects. The quantity surveyor can work for the owner of the project to show him or her the typical costs or as a contractor to help prepare a tender. Because he or she knows the industry standard, the quantity surveyor can help keep costs fair and reasonable.
A quantity surveyor helps to organize finances and monitor costs once a project has begun. Contractors and owners can both hire quantity surveyors to provide services that reduce costs while maintaining high quality. They also oversee the enforcement of standards. These can include the basic building code or specific recommendations from professional associations that may go beyond the building code.
After a project is completed, quantity surveyors may be involved in issues such as repairs and renovations. A quantity surveyor can benefit from a thorough knowledge of the project in its construction phase. They may also be consulted on topics such as property tax, insurance, or other costs that may be associated with construction projects.
If you are patient and good at numbers, this type of work is appealing to you. There are many ways to become quantity surveyors. You can get your formal education or practical experience as a contractor or estimator. For those who wish to progress in this field, it is highly recommended to join a professional association. This membership offers a variety of benefits, including access to private job listings and continuing education opportunities. It also enforces standards.
Quantity Surveyor Job Description
Below are the quantity surveyor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a quantity surveyor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor include the following:
- Assisting in the identification of client’s needs and conducting feasibility studies to make sure their proposals work.
- Preparing and analyzing project costings to tenders. This includes materials, labor, and time.
- Preparing tender and contract documents with the client and/or architect, including bills for quantities
- Negotiating contracts and work schedules
- Assigning work to subcontractors
- Overseeing subcontractor’s work during construction.
- Advising clients on a procurement strategy
- Identifying, analyzing, and responding to commercial risks
- Providing advice on disputes and claims under a contract
- Analyzing the results and creating detailed progress reports
- Valuing completed work, monitoring bills, and organizing payments
- Keeping informed about the various building contracts currently in use
- Understanding the consequences of safety and health regulations.
- Measuring distances between reference points to locate boundaries and other important features of land and water.
- Recording survey results, comparing them to previous records and verifying data accuracy
- Presenting survey results to government agencies or other clients
- Assisting cartographers, architects, and construction managers with the construction of maps and new construction project designs
The following are other important tasks:
- Estimating material costs
Quantity surveyors take into account the material required for a project to give clients an accurate estimate.
- Analyzing construction plans
Many surveyors use blueprints to calculate the material required for each job. Quantity surveyors must carefully study blueprints as they provide a view of the entire project.
- Negotiating contracts to keep within budget
Quantity surveyors are often able to negotiate and write contracts between their clients, and a construction company.
- Developing documents that track costs
Quantity surveyors are often responsible for developing documents related to financing, budgets, and contracts. They might track all purchases with receipts or keep records of recent orders to account.
- Project management
Quantity surveyors can also manage projects to maintain their budgets. They may also offer advice to clients to help them choose the best materials for a particular project.
- Solve financial discrepancies
These professionals are also trained to resolve financial discrepancies in a company’s finances. They thoroughly examine a company to identify any errors that could lead to financial harm.
- Visit construction sites
To ensure employees use all materials purchased, quantity surveyors frequently travel to multiple construction sites. They can decide not to order more material for future projects if they find that there is too much material.
- Examining an existing budget
A company’s budget is often reviewed by quantity surveyors to determine if any changes could improve its finances. When it is necessary or efficient, they may reduce or increase funding for certain parts of a company.
Qualifications
To obtain their surveying licenses, quantity surveyors must first attend college. Fieldwork may require a driver’s license. These are the requirements to be a successful quantity surveyor:
Education
Many high school students who want to become quantity surveyors begin their career preparations. Some colleges and universities require that applicants study mathematics at high schools, such as trigonometry and algebra. You can also gain knowledge through courses in geography, computer science, and mechanical drawing.
After working for at least 10 years under a licensed surveyor in certain states, high school graduates can become quantity surveying technicians. Most aspiring quantity surveyors complete a bachelor’s in surveying, mapping, geomatics, or surveying engineering technology. These programs provide students with technical mathematics, computer-aided designing, boundary law, and statistical analysis. They also teach how to use surveying tools such as the Global Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System.
Surveyors who don’t have the opportunity to study at schools that offer surveying degrees can often obtain related qualifications in civil engineering and forestry. The Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required for licensure in some states.
Training
Most states require that quantity surveyors work for at least four years under the guidance of licensed quantity surveyors after graduation to be eligible for their full license. A traineeship is only available to those who have passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Surveying exam. Aspiring quantity surveyors can learn from experienced surveyors before becoming independent surveyors. Most licensed quantity surveyors will assign more responsibility to their trainees over time.
Certification
All quantity surveyors who work in the United States need to be licensed to practice in their respective states or districts. This process is different from one state to another, so make sure you check your local requirements.
- State Surveyor license
To obtain their licenses, quantity surveyors must fulfill educational and experience requirements. They must pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam. In some states, quantity surveyors may need to take an additional state-specific exam. Surveyors in most states must continue their education to keep their license.
- Certified Survey Technician certifications
The National Society of Professional Surveyors administers the Certified Survey Technician credential. Quantity surveyors have four levels of certification. Anyone who has passed the NSPS exam can apply for the first level. The minimum requirements for level two certification are 1.5 years of experience in surveying and passing the level 2 examination. The level three certification is based on 3.5 experience and passing the level 3 examination. The level four certification requires 5.5 year’s experience and passing the level 4 examination. These certifications can be voluntary, but they can help surveyors get higher salaries and gain employment.
Essential Skills
- Strong financial management and numeracy skills
The quantity surveyor spends a lot of time from the moment the project is started to its completion. They also determine whether it will be profitable and manage the costs to meet the budget. To be successful, you need to have a basic understanding of math and arithmetic.
To accurately measure and quantify building works, you will need to know about numeracy. The QS is often responsible for managing all costs associated with projects based on these estimates and measurements. The QS has the financial management skills to manage project budgets, contractor payments, valuations, and the preparation of payment certificates.
- Ability to work in a team
With the multidisciplinary nature of construction and the projects they are involved in, teamwork is an important component of success.
Large construction projects will require a lot more documentation (tender documents and bills of quantities, contract conditions, etc.). The quantity surveyor will be able to share and delegate duties to each member of the group according to their strengths and weaknesses. This is possible through great teamwork. This will increase efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of tasks. This will have a positive impact on the overall performance and quality of the project.
- Excellent working knowledge of software
You will be a top quantity surveyor in the digital age of construction if you can learn complex design and IT software.
Modern quantity surveyors must learn to use BIM software to get the most of the information technology available to speed up the surveying process and improve their accuracy in the production cost estimates.
Construction is making a shift towards fully adopting information technology. A professional who is proficient in quantity surveying software will have a competitive edge in an industry that relies on automation for its success.
- Attention to Detail and a Methodological Approach to Work
A good quantity surveyor must have a keen eye for detail. Quantity surveyors can avoid making mistakes and promote accuracy by paying attention to details.
A quantity surveyor must also be familiar with professional practice procedures so that they can follow the established practical methods in their work.
- Communication skills
Quantity surveyors can create clear, precise reports and communicate complex information to diverse audiences. Because construction is an industry that demands information exchange, communication is essential.
- Negotiation skills
Quantity surveyors can work indoors in a consulting office, or outside on a construction site. It doesn’t matter if you work for yourself or a contracting firm, it is important to be able to bring people together to try to resolve their differences.
How to Become a Quantity Surveyor
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
Employers require quantity surveyors to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, or management. Consider taking courses that will be relevant to quantity surveying while you are completing your bachelor’s degree. You can search online for programs in quantity surveying or contact your college if necessary.
- Gain experience
After you have graduated from college, you may be eligible for quantity surveyor internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions. Every position has its benefits and allows you to gain valuable experience. You can gain experience that will help you develop your surveying skills and advance your career.
- A professional certification is an option
While professional certification is not required to become a quantity surveyor it may make employers more inclined to hire certified employees. You may also be able to gain valuable information about advancements in surveying, surveying techniques, and other experience. The Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International offers a variety of certifications that quantity surveyors may pursue.
- Certified Cost Technician (CCP)
- Certified Scheduling Technician (CST)
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP).
- Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
- Earned Value Professional (EVP).
- Your network is your best asset
It is important to build relationships with other professionals when working as a quantity surveyor. This will allow you to pursue more job opportunities and ultimately advance your career. While you are gaining experience, or through online networking with professional surveying organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, you may meet other professionals in the construction.
- Make sure to update your resume
Employers will be able to see your experience as you build your skills. You must keep your resume updated and include your education, work history, and skills in quantity surveying. It is a good idea to list your achievements, including any promotions or positive reviews that clients may have left.
Where to Work as a Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors work in quantity-surveying consultancies, contractors, and project management consultancies. Some also work with government agencies.
Quantity Surveyor Salary Scale
There are many factors that can affect the average salary of quantity surveyors. These include their education, experience, location, and employer. The average annual salary for a quantity surveyor in the United States is $77,015.