At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver exciting refurbishment projects across historic and modern buildings.
- Company: Join Canford School's dynamic Estates team in beautiful Dorset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and career progression towards Chartered status.
- Other info: Early applications encouraged; commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on an exceptional school estate.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or Architectural Technician qualification; strong AutoCAD skills.
The predicted salary is between 32500 - 37500 £ per year.
Location: Dorset
Salary: £32,500 - £37,500 per year
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent
Interview date: 9th September 2026
Are you an ambitious graduate Building Surveyor or Architectural Technician looking to develop your career in a unique and varied estate? Canford School is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Building Surveyor / Architectural Technician to join our Estates team. Working across our historic and modern buildings, you'll play a key role in designing, surveying and delivering refurbishment, maintenance and improvement projects while developing your professional skills alongside experienced surveyors. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress towards Chartered Building Surveyor (RICS) status or other similar architectural pathways.
About the role
- Producing existing and proposed CAD drawings, plans and design schemes.
- Assisting with building surveys, inspections and condition reports.
- Running refurbishment and planned maintenance projects and minor works.
- Liaising with contractors, direct labour teams and internal stakeholders.
- Preparing planning and building regulations applications.
- Maintaining accurate estate drawings and project records.
About you
- A degree in Building Surveying (or equivalent) or an Architectural Technician qualification.
- Strong AutoCAD skills and excellent IT proficiency.
- A proactive, organised approach with excellent communication skills.
- A willingness to learn and develop within a supportive professional environment.
- Previous surveying experience and knowledge of historic buildings would be advantageous but are not essential.
If you're looking for a varied role where you'll gain hands-on project experience while helping care for an exceptional school estate, we’d love to hear from you. Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.
Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.
Assistant Building Surveyor / Architectural Technician in Poole employer: Canford School
Canford School is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow in the hospitality sector. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities while enjoying a fulfilling role in a vibrant school environment. Located in beautiful Dorset, the school offers a unique chance to contribute to the community while ensuring high standards of service and care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Building Surveyor / Architectural Technician in Poole
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Canford School who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Building Surveyor / Architectural Technician in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Canford School!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Canford School. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canford School
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Canford School.
