Assistant Quantity Surveyor
By Angela G. M.

The role of an assistant quantity surveyor most times has the same elements as a head quantity surveyor. While not having the title and the corresponding pay rate, these individuals are responsible for many of the same things. This can include estimates, control over project costs, documentation and assessment. Each aspect of a project falls directly under the watchful eye of this person. With budgets sometimes in upwards of one million dollars, it requires a careful planning strategy along with effective management techniques to stay within this budget. Currently there are many openings in this field, with most of them requiring experience in some other form of construction first.

Most types of quantity surveyors are concerned with the actual construction costs and work predominantly towards that end. They can be trained in the proper use of cost control, employing techniques specifically designed to keep expenditures at or near the allowed budget. These men are termed construction cost consultants. Another area for this occupation is that of contract management. Often called contracts manager or construction surveyor, these individuals may opt to work in the power industry or perhaps civil engineering. A third option is project management. This is ideal for the large scale designs that many modern corporations are building these days.

Quantity surveyor can carry a variety of job titles depending on the actual work being performed. Since there are many areas that can be specialized in, the corresponding designation will typically fit in with the duties on site. For persons working with an organization, they will be designated as professional quantity surveyor or professional QS or even simply PQS. It all depends on the company and the location being used. When employed by a construction company, the usual moniker is main contractor's quantity surveyor. Although this looks different, the actual work is pretty much the same. If the project calls for dealings with contracts or costs mainly, the designation is professional quantity surveyor or private practice quantity surveyor. Cost planning, feasibility studies and analysis are a major part of this job duties.

A typical assistant quantity survey will earn on average $40000 per year. Depending on the job site location, this could also be a tax free income depending on experience and the compensation package that was agreed upon between when signing a contract. It can be a lucrative business if travel in and out of the country is not a problem for the prospective candidate.

For an assistant quantity surveyor to move up the ladder, he must have the proper educational background. A college degree is often only one of the prerequisites that are needed in order to fill this role. Most graduates interested in starting this occupation are assigned the assistant's title, even if they will be performing all of the duties of the head surveyor. Some background experience in construction is preferred before consideration for promotion. Many companies will consider a potential candidate only if there is a good deal of experience in the construction trade first. The combination of education, experience and field work are most often the perfect way to earn a promotion.

Assistant quantity surveyor jobs are plentiful, with many of these openings being generated in the U.K. However, for the person wanting to see the world, international firms continue to hire individuals with the proper credentials. Most often, this will mean travel to the Middle East or Asia where there is a lot of construction occurring. These countries are now adding new technology to produce the goods and services demanded by citizens of their lands as well as those of the West. The need for experienced surveyors is quite evident in order to meet the required budgetary constraints.

Steady growth is expected for at least the next decade with more jobs likely after that. It is a good time to enter this field for anybody interested in a construction career.

To learn more about quantity surveyors, be sure to visit the quantity surveyors website for all your quantity surveyor needs.

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