Quantity surveyor : Employers and vacancy sources

The three major employers of quantity surveyors are the offices of private practice quantity surveyors (PQS), the surveying sections of building and civil engineering contractors, and local authorities and government agencies.

Many of these employers operate as multidisciplinary teams or departments, so quantity surveyors are likely to be working alongside other surveying professionals, such as civil engineers and architects. Quantity surveyors who work for contractors are often likely to be based on-site, working with site agents or contract managers.

Other types of organisations likely to employ quantity surveyors include large engineering consultancies and housing associations. Specialist house builders seek the expertise of quantity surveyors, as do some commercial companies, or indeed any public body with a large property portfolio.

Large international mechanical contractors and petroleum engineering companies often recruit quantity surveyors under the alternative title of cost engineer.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Estates Gazette  
• Building  
• Contract Journal  
• RICS Business  
• RICS Recruit   
• Property Week  
• QS Week  
• RICS Directory 
• Construction News  
• Opportunities: The Public Sector Recruitment Weekly  
• Local Government Jobs  

Academic departments may also be approached by employers, so it is worthwhile keeping in touch with tutors.

Recruitment consultancies, working closely with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) , and the local and national press sometimes offer temporary and permanent vacancies.

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