Building Surveyor

Are you an experienced Building Surveyor with a passion for ensuring safe, high-quality, and compliant buildings? Join our team and make a significant contribution to maintaining and enhancing the council’s housing stock and public buildings across South Essex.

Key Responsibilities:

• Property Inspections: Conduct detailed inspections of council-owned housing and public buildings to assess their condition, identify maintenance needs, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Surveys & Reports: Prepare and deliver comprehensive building surveys, condition reports, and maintenance plans. Provide technical advice and recommendations for repairs, refurbishments, and improvements.
• Project Management: Manage building maintenance and renovation projects from inception to completion, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all building works comply with UK building regulations, planning policies, and health and safety standards. Assist with audits and inspections by regulatory bodies.
• Defect Analysis & Remedial Action: Identify building defects or issues and recommend appropriate remedial actions. Manage the resolution of issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Contractor Management: Oversee contractors and external service providers, ensuring that works are carried out to specification and quality standards. Conduct site visits to monitor progress and quality.
• Maintenance Strategy: Develop long-term maintenance and refurbishment strategies for the council’s housing stock and public buildings. Provide advice on capital expenditure and asset management.
• Health & Safety: Ensure all maintenance work complies with health and safety regulations. Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to protect tenants, staff, and contractors.
• Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: Advise on energy-efficient building practices and sustainability initiatives, including retrofitting energy-efficient solutions and ensuring buildings meet modern sustainability standards.
• Client Liaison: Liaise with residents, tenants, and council departments to discuss building works and ensure their needs and concerns are addressed promptly.

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience: At least 3-4 years of experience as a building surveyor, preferably in a local government or housing association environment.
• Qualifications: A degree in Building Surveying, Construction, or a related field (e.g., MRICS, RICS accredited).
• Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of building regulations, construction standards, and health and safety legislation. Familiarity with UK housing law and maintenance requirements for public buildings.
• Surveying Skills: Strong technical skills in building inspections, condition surveys, and defect analysis.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage maintenance, refurbishment, and construction projects. Experience with budget management and cost control is essential.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports, and liaise with contractors, colleagues, and residents.
• IT Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and surveying software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, or similar). Experience with asset management systems is a plus.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and find practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Customer Service: Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with tenants and respond to their needs in a professional manner.

Desirable:

• Membership: Chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or working towards it.
• Experience in Housing: Experience working in social housing or local government housing management is an advantage.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Familiarity with sustainability practices, energy efficiency standards, and green building certifications.
• Multilingual: Ability to speak additional languages is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the council.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance.
• The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing improvement and maintenance of public housing across Essex.