Graduate Building Surveyor

1st Select Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Select Ltd. is seeking a motivated Graduate Building Surveyor to join our building surveying team with a focus on fabric condition surveys across diverse properties.

You will inspect buildings, identify defects, and contribute to reports while developing skills under experienced surveyors. The role involves regular site inspections, travel to client properties, and development of maintenance and capital investment plans.

Qualifications

• Degree in Building Surveying or a closely related RICS-accredited discipline; graduate or early-career level.
• Previous building surveying/ related experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong interest in buildings, defects, pathology and surveying techniques; willingness to develop technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with detailed visual inspections of building fabric and components (roofs, walls, elevations, windows, doors, finishes).
• Identify and record defects, deterioration and maintenance needs with clear observations and photos.
• Support preparation of fabric condition survey reports, schedules of defects, and photographic schedules.
• Contribute to planned preventative maintenance programmes, lifecycle assessments and capital expenditure forecasts.
• Develop understanding of building pathology, repair techniques and suitable maintenance strategies.

Skills

Building surveying

Attention to detail

On-site inspections

Report writing

Communication

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Building Surveying or RICS-accredited discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Building Surveyor to join our building surveying team, with a particular focus on undertaking fabric condition surveys across a range of properties.

Below, you will find a complete breakdown of everything required of potential candidates, as well as Good luck.

The role will provide an excellent opportunity for a graduate to develop practical, hands‑on building surveying experience while working alongside experienced surveyors. The successful candidate will be involved in inspecting buildings, identifying defects and deterioration, recording condition information, preparing reports and assisting with the development of planned maintenance and capital investment programmes.

The position will involve regular site inspections and travel to client properties. It will suit someone who has a genuine interest in buildings and construction, enjoys working on site and is keen to develop their technical knowledge and surveying skills.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist with and, as their experience develops, take responsibility for undertaking detailed visual inspections of building fabric and associated elements. This will include roofs, walls, elevations, windows, doors, external finishes, floors, ceilings, internal finishes and other building components.

You will be expected to identify and record defects, deterioration, damage and potential maintenance requirements, supported by clear photographic records and written observations. You will develop an understanding of the likely causes of defects and, where appropriate and within your level of competence, recommend suitable remedial works and further investigations.

A key part of the role will be accurately recording the condition of building elements and assessing their apparent serviceability and likely maintenance requirements. You will also be expected to identify any health and safety concerns or issues requiring urgent attention and escape these appropriately to senior members of the team.

You will assist with the preparation of fabric condition survey reports, schedules of defects, photographic schedules and recommendations for remedial works. You will also contribute to planned preventative maintenance programmes, lifecycle assessments and capital expenditure forecasts, helping clients to understand the condition of their buildings and make informed decisions about future maintenance and investment.

The role will provide exposure to a variety of construction types, materials and building defects. You will work alongside experienced surveyors to develop your understanding of building pathology, construction methods, repair techniques and appropriate maintenance strategies.

As your experience develops, you will have the opportunity to become involved in wider building surveying activities, including building surveys, defect investigations, preparation of specifications and schedules of works, tender documentation, refurbishment projects and contract administration.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a graduate who has completed, or is working towards completing, a degree in Building Surveying or a closely related RICS-accredited discipline. Previous experience within building surveying, construction or property would be advantageous, although the role is primarily aimed at someone at graduate or early-career level.

You should have a genuine interest in how buildings are constructed, maintained and repaired, together with a willingness to develop your understanding of building defects and pathology.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are important, as the role will involve producing professional survey reports and communicating findings to colleagues and clients. You should have good attention to detail and be comfortable working methodically when recording and assessing large amounts of condition information.

Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel, are expected, together with the ability to learn and use surveying and asset management systems. Experience with AutoCAD or similar software would be beneficial but is not essential.

The role will involve regular travel to client sites, so a full UK driving licence and the ability to travel independently between properties would be advantageous.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is observant, practical and analytical, with the ability to look at a building and understand how its different elements interact and deteriorate over time.

You should be comfortable working independently on site while also recognising when advice or assistance is required from more experienced colleagues. A methodical approach, good organisational skills and strong attention to detail will be essential, particularly when undertaking large-scale condition surveys.

Most importantly, you should be enthusiastic about developing a career in building surveying and willing to learn from experienced professionals. The role will provide significant opportunity for professional and technical development, and we are looking for someone who wants to build a long-term career within the profession.

Professional Development

The role is designed to provide a strong technical foundation in fabric condition surveying while supporting the successful candidate's progression towards becoming a Chartered Building Surveyor.

You will receive guidance and mentoring from experienced surveyors and, where appropriate, support towards completing the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence. As your competency and experience develop, you will have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility for surveys, reporting and client-facing work before progressing into wider building surveying and project-based responsibilities.

The longer-term career pathway will provide opportunities to develop across areas including building pathology, planned maintenance, refurbishment, project management, contract administration and professional consultancy.