Rural Surveyor

Cowdray; Midhurst; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

26 days annual leave

RICS/CAAV subscriptions covered

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Cowdray Estate in West Sussex invites a Rural Surveyor to join the Property Management team at Easebourne. You will manage agricultural land strategy across the 16,000-acre estate with autonomy after PQE, overseeing farm tenancies and driving regulatory compliance within the South Downs National Park.

The role reports to the Senior Property Surveyor and requires MRICS, plus strong landlord-tenant legal knowledge and budgeting ability. Based on-site, a career within Cowdray awaits.

Qualifications

• MRICS qualification and CAAV knowledge are highly regarded.
• Degree in Rural Land Management or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 5 years PQE in dedicated rural practice in a similar role.
• Experience managing AHA and FBT tenancies and landlord–tenant law is essential.
• Proficient with estate mapping software and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage landlord and tenant relationships across agricultural holdings including AHA tenancies and tenancies.
• Lead rent reviews, lease renewals, and tenancy successions as part of strategy.
• Support day-to-day management of rural residential portfolio and resolve issues.
• Handle boundary questions, rights of way matters, and compensation claims.
• Coordinate land-use with Land Management, Forestry and Deer departments; support infrastructure.
• Assist leisure and sporting divisions with land management logistics.

Education

MRICS (Chartered Rural Surveyor)

FAAV qualification

Degree in Rural Land Management or equivalent

Minimum 5 years PQE in rural practice

Tools

LandApp

Job description

Cowdray Estate, West Sussex The Cowdray Estate is one of England’s leading rural estates, combining a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to estate management and its property portfolio. Covering approximately 16,000 acres within the South Downs National Park, the Estate manages a diverse portfolio that includes residential and commercial property, let farms, woodland and sporting interests. In addition it undertakes residential development on strategic sites, retaining new builds for future rental income.

Rural Surveyor – Cowdray Estate, West Sussex The Cowdray Estate is one of England’s leading rural estates, combining a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to estate management and its property portfolio. Covering approximately 16,000 acres within the South Downs National Park, the Estate manages a diverse portfolio that includes residential and commercial property, let farms, woodland and sporting interests. In addition it undertakes residential development on strategic sites, retaining new builds for future rental income.

We are seeking a Rural Surveyor to join our Property Management team based in the Estate Office in Easebourne, West Sussex. This is an exceptional opportunity to play an important role in the management and long-term stewardship of one of the country’s most respected rural estates.

The Role Reporting to the Senior Property Surveyor, you will be responsible for the let agricultural land management strategy across Cowdray’s iconic 16,000-acre estate. Operating with a high degree of autonomy at 5 years Post-Qualified Experience (PQE), the postholder will manage a diverse rural land portfolio. They will oversee farm tenancies, and champion pioneering within the sensitive regulatory landscape of the South Downs National Park.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage landlord and tenant relationships across all agricultural holdings, including traditional Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) tenancies, Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs), and grazing licences.
• Rent Reviews & Disposals: In accordance with agreed strategy, lead negotiations for agricultural rent reviews, lease renewals, tenant right valuations, and tenancy successions.
• Support the Property team with day-to-day management of the rural residential portfolio, including rent reviews and resolving management issues.
• Boundary & Access Management: Resolve boundary questions, public rights of way matters, and handle third-party compensation claims, wayleaves, and easements.
• Coordinate land-use requirements with the Land Management, Forestry and Deer Management departments to balance timber production, deer stalking, and environmental schemes.
• Enterprise Support: Assist leisure and sporting divisions (e.g., Cowdray Park Polo Club or Fly Fishing) with rural infrastructure, access licenses, and land management logistics.

About You

• Degree in Rural Land Management or equivalent
• MRICS qualified (Chartered Rural Surveyor).
• FAAV qualification a bonus (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers).
• Minimum 5 years PQE in dedicated rural practice.
• Proven experience with complex AHA and FBT tenancies.
• Strong agricultural landlord & tenant legal knowledge
• Budgeting, financial mapping, and crop/land assessment literacy.
• Experience in estate mapping software such as LandApp
• Passion for rural affairs, environmental conservation, and heritage protection.
• Full UK Driving Licence (essential for navigating 16,000 acres).

Why Cowdray Estate?

Cowdray Estate offers the opportunity to work within one of the UK’s most diverse and progressive rural estates, where heritage, innovation, sustainability, and commercial excellence go hand in hand.

Joining our team means contributing to the long-term stewardship of an exceptional landscape while working on a wide variety of rewarding projects across property, development and rural enterprise.

We Offer

• £45,000 salary, commensurate with experience
• Pension scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• 26 days annual leave
• RICS and CAAV professional subscription fees fully covered.
• A supportive, collaborative, and ambitious working environment.
• The opportunity to build a long-term career within one of the UK’s most respected private estates.