Overview
Senior Building Surveyor, Southwest & Thames Hub
Reference: 33422
Salary: £59,690
Location: Reading
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Post Type: Permanent
The role
We are fully committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer, offering equal opportunities for all. We actively encourage flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours, recognising that diverse and adaptable working patterns help us build high‑performing, multi‑skilled teams. Together, we are working towards sustainable growth, tackling climate change, supporting nature’s recovery, and securing a better future for everyone.
As a Senior Building Surveyor, you will play a key role within the Estates Service, providing expert advice on a wide range of building‑related matters. The post will primarily support the Residential Estate, but also aspects of the Commercial Estate, offering the opportunity to work across a diverse and nationally significant property portfolio. This is a national role and will require a willingness to travel as necessary.
Working within the Residential Team, you will bring substantial experience in building surveying, alongside strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will be confident in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of framework contractors and stakeholders. The role requires the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and balance competing priorities.
You will hold a portfolio of complex cases and play an active role in supporting colleagues through the proactive sharing of up‑to‑date knowledge, current legislation, and best practice. You will be expected to contribute to continuous improvement across the service by offering guidance, mentoring, and professional insight.
About you
Please read the Additional Information pack for the full essential and desirable criteria required for this role. The qualifications/memberships and experience required for this role are as follows:
* qualified as a chartered building surveyor (MRICS/FRICS)
* full and valid driving licence
* proven experience in building surveying
* strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects
* a good working knowledge of leading and advising on property matters within high-profile, complex cases or projects
* good planning, prioritisation and time-management skills with
* the ability to achieve targets and meet deadlines the ability to make quick, pragmatic, reasoned and practical decisions and recommendations based upon sound analysis and reason
About us
The Estates service extends to 160 people, offering professional support for Environment Agency land, property, compensation and valuation matters. We are core to the delivery of the Agency's £5.2 billion capital programme to better protect 336,000 homes. Our experienced teams specialise in negotiating access, dealing with compensation claims from land and property owners where they have suffered loss as a consequence of our work.
We also manage the Agency's landholdings, which extends to 26,000 hectares.
The rewards
As well as the opportunity to make a real difference to the environment, you can look forward to a competitive package with a range of benefits. These include:
* a generous career average salary pension scheme (currently 19% contributions from us);
* holiday allowance linked to grade and length of service, rising from 27 days to 30 days per year, plus 8 statutory public and bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees);
* generous enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes;
* a range of flexible working options including flexi-time; these depend on business needs, but our aim is to help you achieve a positive work-life balance.
We will support your continued personal and professional development too and we’ll put a formal development plan in place for you and help you to identify and address any skills gaps. We are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working patterns, including job share. Please highlight any information regarding preferred flexible working arrangements on your application.
For more information
We’re hosting an open MS Teams call on 15 May at 10:00, and you’re very welcome to join us to learn more about the role. Email RecruitmentEstates@environment-agency.gov.uk for the details.
You can also download the Additional Information pack, which includes helpful guidance for your application (click APPLY)
A full UK driving licence is required, as you’ll travel to various sites and offices, and a vehicle will be provided.
You’ll need to attend the Reading Office for induction training, fortnightly team meetings and staff support, but otherwise you can enjoy flexible home working.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat, please email RecruitmentEstates@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to take place via MS Teams on 23 June 2026.
Closing date: 31 May 2026, 23:55 hours.
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