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Quantity Surveyor

Also known as Building Estimator, Construction Economist and Estimator.

Quantity surveyors prepare cost estimates and plans, audit projects, manage costs and administer contracts, for all levels and types of construction.

Quantity surveyors usually work in offices.

They also visit building sites, clients and other members of construction teams.

TASKS

Quantity surveyors may perform the following tasks:

liaise with architects, engineers, builders, contractors, suppliers and project owners
study architectural and engineering drawings and specifications
prepare a 'Bill of Quantities', which lists the individual components required to construct a project
review any changes to a design plan to assess the effects on cost
assess and recommend payment to contractors during construction
prepare monthly cash-flow forecasts for clients and tax depreciation schedules
perform feasibility studies to assist with decisions about the worth of a project proceeding
serve as a consultant to business and government

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

analytical and logical
able to concentrate for long periods
good oral and written communication skills
able to work accurately with figures
able to work independently or as part of a team
aptitude for working with computers

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a quantity surveyor you usually have to study quantity surveying or construction management at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors or for probationary membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Student membership is also available. Qualifications are recognised worldwide.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Quantity surveyors work with architects, building contractors, developers, engineers and project managers. They can work as individual consultants or as part of a small or medium-sized firm. Some work as academics in universities. Some may find employment in government agencies. Those in the building industry usually work on larger-scale projects such as office complexes, high-density residential projects, hotels, factories and hospitals. Job prospects can fluctuate depending on the level of building activity.

With experience, progress to managerial positions in the construction industry is possible.