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Job Title: Rural Surveyor
Location: Dorset (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Temporary (Initially 6 months)
Salary: 500 Daily
Hours: 37 Hours per week
About Us
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
About the Role
Reporting to the Estates Service Manager, the Rural Surveyor will be responsible and accountable for the portfolio and asset management of the Council's rural estate and significant land sites. This will include delivering work within the Council's delegated authority scheme, departmental structures, and governance processes.
You will provide professional strategic advice to Council Members, senior officers, and services to ensure the rural estate is effectively managed, achieving best value and outcomes in line with defined portfolio objectives. The role will also support the Service Manager in the delivery of plans to outsource certain aspects of property and lease management of the rural estate.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Act as the Council's representative for proactive tenant liaison and rural estate matters.
- Manage external providers' workload output, casework, fees, and reporting.
- Implement, monitor, and report on performance against objectives and KPIs.
- Identify and manage compliance and other risks, contributing to remedial actions as required.
- Undertake site inspections and report findings.
- Provide effective budget management, ensuring monthly monitoring and reporting are up to date.
- Work with Finance and the Service Manager to mitigate potential risks and overspend.
- Advise on cost-saving measures and identify opportunities for revenue generation and capital receipts.
- Provide timely, professional advice to Councillors, senior officers, and services.
- Respond professionally to external queries and stakeholder requests.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Basic DBS (required)
- RICS Qualified (essential)
- Full UK Driver's Licence
- Demonstrable experience managing a large agricultural or rural property portfolio.
- Strong understanding of environmental compliance, acquisition, disposal, and estate management legislation.
- Excellent knowledge of landlord and tenant law, RICS guidance notes, and best practice.
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence in complex, politically sensitive environments.
- Experience managing budgets, external consultants, and service providers.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify new revenue opportunities.
- Excellent ICT skills, including Microsoft Office and specialist property management systems.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
