If you are considering a surveying career in utilities and infrastructure, or if you are just starting out in your new career, these five tips will help you set off on the right foot in this highly rewarding and fulfilling sector of the property industry.
This is a dynamic field to work in, with significant investment and focus at a government level, so it’s important to stay up to date with policy changes or trends. Memberships of professional organisations, such as RICS and CAAV, can provide valuable updates and resources. Attending any industry events will also help you network with others, gain insights into different ways of working and expose you to new ideas.
Embrace tools such as Artificial Intelligence, GIS and drones. Whilst technology will never fully replace the human element, engaging with colleagues or consultants who have expertise in these areas can help save you time and energy as well as add substantial value to projects. For example, early constraints screening using GIS can often help to highlight potential risks or issues that may not otherwise become apparent until much later on.
You will get a much better understanding of the job from a site visit and it helps bring everything to life. It will also give you the chance to meet landowners and build relationships with the onsite delivery team. It’s important to see the site at various stages of the project. Pre-construction, it is a chance to capture a photographic pre-entry record of condition. During construction, it’s an opportunity to make sure onsite contractors are carrying out work in accordance with the Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS).
Equip yourself with the right information for landowners and their agents. Invest time in understanding the technical plans and project specifics, such as construction methods, types of equipment, access routes and compound locations. Additionally, ensure you understand the project timeline, such as when surveys are going to happen and projected start dates and completion dates for construction.
You’ll likely be working for an acquiring authority with statutory powers under one of the Acts, such as The Electricity Act 1989, Water Industry Act 1991, Gas Act 1989 and the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. Whilst most utility and infrastructure providers will first seek to obtain agreements voluntarily, it is still vital that you understand what powers can be enforced, should it become necessary.
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