Quantity Surveyor Job Description outlines the roles, responsibilities, and skills required for professionals who specialize in construction cost management and contract administration.
A Quantity Surveyor (QS) covers all areas of the construction contract, cost and finance. The QS works with all types of national, residential, commercial, infrastructural and industrial projects.
This role is very important in project cost estimation, risk control, budget compliance, cost management, value engineering, contract negotiation and contractor/supplier deal brokering.
In this article, we will discuss key responsibilities and skills for Quantity Surveyors, the amount of knowledge you need and expect for this role, and also career options to gain an overall understanding of the opportunities this job entails.
Also read: Cost Engineer Job Description
How Important is a Quantity Surveyor?
In most constructions, the QS or quantity surveyor is an integral part in the success of the project to be executed on time and cost within the budget range. Quantity surveyors may be involved from the initial design phase through to project completion, acting as financial advisors and cost managers.
As a skilled professional, the quantity surveyor contributes in the overall spending for the construction and engineering sector, saves a lot of time in managing construction resources, assists in managing the project timeline to enhance effective overall project quality.
Core Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor
The typical duties of a quantity surveyor include:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects
- Analyzing architectural and engineering drawings
- Tendering and procurement of materials and services
- Monitoring ongoing project costs and comparing them to budgets
- Advising clients on legal and contractual matters
- Conducting feasibility studies and risk assessments
- Preparing progress reports and final accounts
- Collaborating with contractors, engineers, and architects
These responsibilities ensure the financial efficiency of building projects from concept to completion.
Skills Required to Succeed as a Quantity Surveyor
Successful quantity surveyors combine technical and soft skills, such as:
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Understanding of construction methods and materials
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in cost estimation software (e.g., CostX, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel)
- Contract management knowledge
- Time management and multitasking abilities
A QS must also be capable of working both independently and within cross-functional teams.
Educational Requirements and Professional Qualifications
Educational Background
It takes an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, or relative disciplines to qualify as a Quantity Surveyor. Some employers take business and economics degrees if there is work experience in construction.
Professional Certification
Beyond educational credentials, a Quantity Surveyor can pursue professional certification to further solidify their skillset.
Various professional organizations offer certification, such as:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)Â Â Â
- The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS)Â Â
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)Â Â
Affiliation with these institutions indicate that the holder possesses specialized skills and proficiency. Furthermore, most employers, especially for more advanced positions, expect such certifications.
Relevant Experience
They are also expected to have a number of years working experience in the construction industry.
A Junior Quantity Surveyor starts as an Assistant or Trainee and is expected to progress along a supervisor’s training path. Eventually, they will be able to handle projects without supervision.
Types of Quantity Surveyors
Quantity surveyors can specialize in different areas:
- Consultant Quantity Surveyors: Work for clients or consulting firms, focusing on cost planning and contract administration.
- Contractor Quantity Surveyors: Work for construction firms, handling cost control during the construction phase.
- Freelance/Independent QS: Offer flexible services across various projects.
- Public Sector QS: Work with government agencies on infrastructure and policy-driven projects.
Each specialization offers unique challenges and earning potential.
Working Conditions and Environment
Office and On-Site Work
They perform both office and fieldwork, which include preparing cost estimates, tendering, managing contracts, and supervising project progress measures in quantitative terms as well as ensuring adherence to timelines.
Working Hours
The office hours are generally followed by Quantity Surveyors, but some other tasks that come up may need them to work beyond office hours in the later stages of a project. Complications in meeting deadlines, cost estimates, or timelines tend to make people exercise more effort to fix things in the shortest time available.
Travel
In other instances, such as more complicated projects, or those situated in remote locations, the Quantity Surveyor may need to travel to other locations for monitoring, compliance checking, and quasi-related activities.
Career Prospects and Growth Opportunities
Initially employed as assistants or trainees, with experience and certification, quantity surveyors can advance to higher levels in these positions:
- Senior Quantity Surveyor
- Chief Quantity Surveyor
- Project Manager
- Head of Quantity Surveying Department
- Construction Manager
With specialization in other fields and additional leadership skills, some Quantity Surveyors also move into consultancy roles or start their own businesses.
Salary Expectations for Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria
Data obtained from Glassdoor showed that the average salary range of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria is between N114,000 to N417,000 per month.
Entry-Level Salaries
An entry-level Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria typically earns between ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per month, depending on the employer and location.
Experienced Quantity Surveyor Salaries
Experienced professionals with several years of experience and certification can expect to earn between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 per month. Senior Quantity Surveyors or those working on large projects may earn more.
Senior -Level and Consultancy Salaries
Senior or managerial roles can command salaries upwards of ₦800,000 per month, with some Quantity Surveyors in consultancy roles or large firms earning even higher amounts.
Tools and Software Used by Quantity Surveyors
Modern quantity surveyors leverage technology to improve efficiency:
- AutoCAD: For reviewing and editing construction drawings
- CostX or Cubit: For quantity take-offs and cost estimating
- Microsoft Excel: Budgeting, spreadsheets, and financial tracking
- Primavera P6 / MS Project: Project scheduling and management
- BIM (Building Information Modeling): For 3D modeling and data management
Proficiency in these tools enhances productivity and data accuracy.
Conclusion: Quantity Surveyor Job Description
Remarkably, construction projects cannot be completed without the value added by the Quantity Surveyor. From estimation of costs and procurement to management of risks and negotiation of contracts, a Quantity Surveyor makes certain that all elements of the project are delivered on time and within the budget.
Based on strong career prospects, competitive salaries along with the potential for increased responsibilities and achievements, this construction and engineering tailoring brings forth a rewarding and exciting career opportunity.