My job: Surveying as career ticks all the boxes

Carlton John did his degree part-time while working in the industry full-time. Photo / Graeme Sedal

Name: Carlton John.
Age: 28.
Employer: Quantity surveyor for Scarbro Construction.
Hours: 45- to 60-hour week, depending on projects.
Salary: $60,000 to $100,000.
Qualification: Unitec Bachelor of Construction (double major in construction economics and construction management).

What do you do?

I am a quantity surveyor for Scarbro Construction, currently working on a commercial project at the Viaduct, where I've been working since I started at Scarbro about 14 months ago. Quantity surveying includes tracking costs and monthly progress claims and assessing subcontractor claims. We also do measurements; working out quantities involved. Tendering is another important part of the role.

What is involved in tendering?

You look at the specifications, plans and scope of the work to get an initial understanding of the project. This always includes a visit to the site which can generate a number of queries.

It is important to be able to visualise how the project will be constructed in order to accurately price the work involved. We often do peer checking of tenders. When you are working solidly on a tender it is easy to miss something so it is good to have a new set of eyes look over it.

Why this line of work?

My dad is an ex-builder and I've always been interested in the construction industry. I liked maths at school but not accounting. On a careers day there was a brochure on quantity surveying that ticked all the boxes for me because it involved the construction industry, maths and problem-solving. I also looked into architecture but I felt quantity surveying offered better job opportunities.

I applied for a quantity surveying cadetship advertised in the local paper but didn't take it up because I decided it would take too long to become qualified through a cadetship. Instead I enrolled in a full-time two-year National Diploma in Quantity Surveying at Unitec.

After the diploma I went on to the degree, but studying part- time. I wanted to learn more and felt the degree would improve my ability to think outside the square. So I studied part-time and worked full-time for a property development company doing residential and land development.

This involved quite a bit of travelling, doing feasibility studies on how to turn green fields into housing subdivisions. It was mainly residential work. I did it for four years before switching to my present role because I decided I wanted commercial experience on a large project.

Training and experience?

The diploma is the minimum requirement for quantity surveying. While doing the diploma I worked for a construction maintenance company, which gave me a good understanding of the practical side of the industry and I found that very beneficial. Former builders and other tradesmen obviously have a really good background for quantity surveying.

I ended up doing a double major in construction management and construction economics (quantity surveying), which took five years part-time. The third and fourth year of the degree is in block courses so it's possible to work and study.

Skills and experience required?

You need to be computer-literate; you spend a lot of time on the computer. You have to be able to work with a wide range of people; clients, consultants, site labourers, subcontractors.

You need practical knowledge and the ability to read and understand plans. After all, you need to know how a building is constructed to be able to price it. You have to work to strict deadlines, be flexible and work the hours needed to get the tender in.

Accuracy and attention to detail are key skills because it can be costly to win a tender on incorrect pricing if you miss something at the tender stage.

Best part of the job?

Seeing a project go from plan to completion within budget is very satisfying. I also like the variety. When tendering you never know what will come across the desk; marina boat ramps, high-rise buildings, schools.

Challenges?

Meeting deadlines. We have long lead times and have to prioritise our time and make sure tenders for different parts of the project are let on time so we don't hold up the project.

Is it difficult tendering when you started out at 20?

I worked alongside someone else initially. You do have to work hard so you feel confident that you have the ability to do the job well. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes. I think it is best to already have practical construction site experience so you understand what is happening on site and what people are talking about from day one.

Advice?

Get practical experience as you go, such as working with a builder in the weekends, to understand the nuts and bolts of construction.

Future?

I want to continue to gain experience in a wide range of different projects. One day I'd like to own my own construction company.