Surveyor (Full Time)

You’re at the heart of Army building projects. Once trained, you work on sites all over the world and get to build your qualifications too.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

GCSE Grade A–C/9-5 or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in Maths and

GCSE Grade A–C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in English Language and one other subject

Need help?

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

In the Army, we have all kinds of building projects – new bases, runways and more. As a Surveyor, you’ll use the latest technology to map out the construction site and create designs before building work starts. You make sure that everything is set out correctly and that the structure is the same as the plans. It's a responsible job that calls for pinpoint accuracy – so you’ll get first-class training. You learn about technical drawing, surveying, IT and more. With this knowledge plus a good eye for detail, you’ll travel the world, working on all sorts of projects and making great mates.
Surveyor is a Specialist role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.

Corps of Royal Engineers 7.57K subscribers

Become a competent land and hydro-graphic surveyor

Qualify as a surveyor

Work with the latest computing and IT equipment

Study civil and site engineering

Work on military projects all over the world

Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do basic military training (short) course at Harrogate .

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training .

Step 2
Then it’s off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham for 27 weeks. Here, you learn to produce survey plans and set out lines and levels.

You’ll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Survey (Military Engineering)

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

• 1. 1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

• 2. 1 - 2 weeks

Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

Medical Checks

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

• 4. 1-3 months

Assessment centre

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

• 5. 3 - 5 months

Security clearance

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Real Army Life

Meet the team

Find out more about what it's like to be a Survdyor in the Royal Engineers

Your accommodation

Uniform & equipment

Get up close with the gear and equipment you’ll use out in the field.

Train in modern gyms and facilities built to keep you fit, strong and ready.

Find out about the healthcare, dental, and support facilities available to you.

Adventurous Training

Build resilience, teamwork and confidence through activities like climbing, skiing and watersports.

Your money goes further

Learn how your pay, perks and support go further than many civilian jobs.

Sports & fitness

From beginner to elite, explore all the sports you can take part in at every level.

Off-Duty & Spare time

Discover what you can do in your downtime, on camp and beyond.

Travel the world

See how Army life gives you chances to travel the world and experience new places.

Food & Meals

See what daily meals look like at the cookhouse and how they fuel you for training and tasks.

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.

As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.

Rob Needham

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

Royal Military Police

I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.

It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.

Royal Logistic Corps

Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.

You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.

Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.

Movement Controller

The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.

You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.

Rob H

Royal Armoured Corps

Your future starts here

Every Surveyor started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Be part of our biggest building projects. Provide the plans for electrical and mechanical systems at Army sites all over the world.

Become an expert in terrain analysis, using GIS, survey and web services to deliver mapping products and giving vital geospatial intelligence to inform commanders on the ground.

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