The Role of a Quantity Surveyor

The role of a quantity surveyor is to manage the costs relating to building projects. This may include new builds,
renovations or maintenance work. From early design costs to final figures, quantity surveyors seek to minimise the
costs of the project and enhance value for money whilst ensuring that the project meets all legal and quality
assurance requirements.
Quantity surveyor duties typically include:

Conducting feasibility studies to estimate materials, time and labour costs

Preparing, negotiating and analysing costs for tenders and contracts

Coordination of work effort

Advising on a range of legal and contractual issues

Valuing completed work and arranging for payments

To search and apply for quantity surveyor jobs click on the link

Qualifications
To become a quantity surveyor a degree or a professional qualification accredited by the Royal Institute for
Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is required. The following degrees are considered most relevant to the role of a
quantity surveyor:

Surveying

Construction

Civil engineering

Structural engineering

Entry into the profession without a degree or a relevant degree is possible. For those without a degree or HND some
employers may be prepared to fund a part time degree top-up course. For those with a non-relevant degree will need
to take an RICS recognised postgraduate conversion course.

Skills and Knowledge

In addition to the above qualification requirements employers also look for the following qualities:

Methodical way of thinking

Good knowledge of construction

Excellent problem solving skills

Good financial and numeracy management skills

Excellent communication and negotiating skills

The ability to absorb complex information and assess requirements readily

Computer literate

A clear understanding of HSE building regulations and legal guidelines

Career opportunities
After several years of experience in the industry many quantity surveyors have the opportunity to either become a
contractor or move into a more lucrative consultancy based role. There is also scope to work abroad especially in
places with large construction projects such as Dubai. To find out more about working in Dubai click here.
An alternative route for some is to move into a project management role. With specialist knowledge of cost
assessments and control, many quantity surveyors enjoy using their skills and knowledge in wider sphere of activity.
To find out more about the role of a project manager click here.

Position Summary:
Estimator / Quantity Surveyor.. Duties/Responsibilities:

Prepare check estimates for verification of contractor bid response.

Prepare control estimates to support cost control of awarded contracts.

Prepare and maintain appropriate documentation to support estimate preparation and review.

Maintain the estimate data base.

Obtain quotations from suppliers and subcontractors to support capital cost estimates.

Perform quantity surveys to confirm contractor progress reports.

Maintain CWP progress records as well as individual commodity records and associated unit
rates.

Establish good working relationship with staff, engineering discipline leads, department, and
project managers, and clients.

Depending on current project requirements, lead and/or supervise junior estimating staff .

Qualifications:

10+ years experience in estimation of capital costs and perform quantity surveying in an industrial
setting.

Previous experience in cost estimation of mineral processing mills is an asset.

An engineering degree or diploma or trades certification is desired.

Previous experience working with Timberline Estimating Software is an asset.

Effective organizational and communication skills support documentation.

Ability to prioritize tasks in a deadline oriented environment.

Ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary team environment

This is a new graduate opportunity due to start in May 2015.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in planning, scheduling and executing construction activities including supervision of

crews and equipment

Prepares work schedules

Oversees QC and adherence to contract requirements

Prepares correspondence with owner and consultants for Superintendents signature

Maintains plans, specifications, cost and materials estimates, subcontracts and reports and
ensures latest issues are distributed as required

Coordinates procurement of construction materials ensuring timely delivery and accuracy of

purchase orders

Ensures project cost requirements are met and coding procedures are followed

Provides technical assistance to Superintendents

Creates reports on productivities, work completed and material yields

Expedites progress payment certificates, final payment certificates and all extra-work orders as
per contract

Processes time sheets for payroll and cost control purposes

Maintains job diaries, site photos and proper claims documentation

May be required to supervise and coordinate surveyors

Assists in estimating duties as required

Such other duties and responsibilities as assigned by his/her Supervisor

Processes material packing slips verifying quantities and receipt of materials

Provides technical guidance to junior staff

Updates production schedule

Prepares Job Catalogue

Designs concrete formwork and falsework in accordance with OPSS and CSA standard

Calculates quantity in tender

Provides engineering service to estimators

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree from a recognized university

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a construction industry

Strong computer skills, using MS Office, Primavera and AutoCad

Experienced in construction preferred

Must possess a valid drivers license, have access to a vehicle

Must be able to travel and work away from home as the projects locations/sites are all over
Ontario

Ability to work long hours per day from time to time