Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Nigeria and Application Requirements

Quantity surveying is a crucial profession in Nigeria’s construction and real estate industries. As the country continues to experience rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors has risen significantly. These professionals play a vital role in managing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects, ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on time.

For employers in Nigeria, hiring competent quantity surveyors is essential for the successful execution of projects. This article provides a comprehensive overview of quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria, detailing the various types of roles available, entry-level skills and experience required, regions with the highest payment structures, websites to find job vacancies, and salary expectations for applicants.

Various Types of Quantity Surveyor Jobs

Quantity surveying encompasses a range of specializations, each focusing on different aspects of construction project management. Here are some of the main types of quantity surveyor jobs available in Nigeria:

1. Pre-Contract Quantity Surveyor: These professionals are involved in the early stages of a project, focusing on cost estimation, tender preparation, and contract negotiation. They ensure that the financial aspects are accurately planned before the project commences.
2. Post-Contract Quantity Surveyor: Post-contract quantity surveyors manage the financial and contractual aspects during the construction phase. They monitor project expenditures, manage variations, and handle payments to contractors and suppliers.
3. Consultant Quantity Surveyor: Working for consultancy firms, these quantity surveyors provide independent advice on construction costs, contract management, and project feasibility. They often work on multiple projects for different clients.
4. Contractor Quantity Surveyor: Employed by construction companies, contractor quantity surveyors focus on cost control and financial management from the contractor’s perspective. They work closely with site managers and project engineers.
5. Project Quantity Surveyor: These professionals oversee specific projects from start to finish, managing all quantity surveying tasks, including cost estimation, procurement, contract management, and final account settlement.
6. Claims Consultant: Specializing in contract law and dispute resolution, claims consultants handle claims for extensions of time, variations, and additional costs. They provide expert advice and represent clients in negotiations and legal proceedings.
7. Cost Consultant: Cost consultants focus on providing accurate cost advice and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget. They perform cost planning, value engineering, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
8. Estimator: Estimators are responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects. They analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documentation to determine the costs involved.
9. Procurement Specialist: These quantity surveyors specialize in sourcing and purchasing construction materials and services. They negotiate with suppliers, manage contracts, and ensure that procurement processes comply with regulations.
10. Facilities Manager: Facilities managers with a quantity surveying background manage the maintenance and operation of buildings and infrastructure. They handle budgeting, cost control, and contract management for maintenance services.

Each of these roles requires specific skills and expertise, contributing to the diverse and dynamic field of quantity surveying in Nigeria.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Starting a career in quantity surveying in Nigeria requires a solid foundation of skills and experiences. Here are the key entry-level skills and experiences required:

1. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field is essential. Accredited programs provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge.
2. Technical Skills: Proficiency in quantity surveying software such as CostX, QSPlus, and Microsoft Excel is crucial for cost estimation and financial management. Familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) software can also be beneficial.
3. Analytical Skills: Quantity surveyors must have strong analytical skills to interpret project data, evaluate costs, and prepare accurate estimates. This involves critical thinking and attention to detail.
4. Mathematical Proficiency: Strong skills in mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and statistics, are essential for performing cost calculations and financial analysis.
5. Project Management Skills: Understanding project management principles, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation, helps in managing projects effectively.
6. Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for collaborating with team members, presenting ideas, and interacting with clients and stakeholders.
7. Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy are crucial in quantity surveying to ensure the financial viability and success of projects. Attention to detail helps in identifying potential issues and ensuring quality.
8. Teamwork and Collaboration: Quantity surveyors often work in teams, requiring strong collaboration skills to coordinate with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, and contractors.
9. Field Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions helps in understanding real-world applications and building a professional network.
10. Professional Certification: Obtaining certification from recognized professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can enhance career prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the profession.

Gaining these skills through education, practical experience, and continuous learning can significantly enhance a candidate’s employability in the competitive Nigerian quantity surveying job market.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Certain regions in Nigeria offer higher payment structures for quantity surveyors due to their economic status, industry presence, and demand for construction projects. Here are the top five regions with the highest payment structures for quantity surveyors:

1. Lagos: As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos has a high demand for construction and infrastructure development, leading to competitive salaries for quantity surveyors. The city’s extensive real estate and industrial projects require ongoing quantity surveying expertise.
2. Abuja: The capital city, Abuja, hosts numerous government agencies, international organizations, and large-scale infrastructure projects. This drives the demand for skilled quantity surveyors and results in attractive salaries.
3. Port Harcourt: Known for its oil and gas industry, Port Harcourt has a thriving economy that supports high-paying quantity surveying jobs. The city’s industrial activities and need for construction projects contribute to the demand.
4. Kano: As a major commercial center in northern Nigeria, Kano has significant industrial and infrastructural projects, creating a demand for quantity surveyors and competitive wages.
5. Ibadan: With its growing economy and strategic location, Ibadan offers attractive salaries for quantity surveyors. The city’s expanding industrial and residential areas contribute to the demand for skilled professionals.

These regions not only offer higher payment structures but also provide vibrant job markets that support career growth and development.

Website to Find Job Vacancies

Finding job vacancies for quantity surveying positions in Nigeria can be streamlined through several reputable websites. Here are some of the top websites to consider:

1. Jobberman (www.jobberman.com): One of Nigeria’s leading job portals, Jobberman lists numerous quantity surveying job vacancies across various sectors. It offers detailed job descriptions and application processes.
2. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): LinkedIn is a global professional networking platform that features a wide range of job postings. Job seekers can filter search results to find quantity surveying positions in Nigeria.
3. NgCareers (www.ngcareers.com): This platform provides a comprehensive list of job opportunities in Nigeria, including quantity surveying roles. It also offers career advice and resources.
4. MyJobMag (www.myjobmag.com): MyJobMag is a popular job site that lists various job openings in Nigeria. It provides detailed job descriptions and application guidelines for quantity surveying positions.
5. Indeed (www.indeed.com): Indeed is a global job search engine that aggregates job postings from various sources. Job seekers can find numerous quantity surveying jobs in Nigeria by searching the platform.

Using these websites can help job seekers find suitable quantity surveying positions and apply effectively.

Salary Expectations for Applicants

The salary expectations for quantity surveying jobs in Nigeria vary depending on the role, experience, and location. Here is a table summarizing the average monthly salaries for different quantity surveying positions:

Job Position	Entry-Level Salary (₦)	Mid-Level Salary (₦)	Senior-Level Salary (₦)
Pre-Contract Quantity Surveyor	120,000 – 180,000	250,000 – 350,000	400,000 – 600,000
Post-Contract Quantity Surveyor	130,000 – 190,000	260,000 – 360,000	420,000 – 620,000
Consultant Quantity Surveyor	140,000 – 200,000	270,000 – 370,000	430,000 – 650,000
Contractor Quantity Surveyor	110,000 – 170,000	240,000 – 340,000	380,000 – 550,000
Project Quantity Surveyor	120,000 – 180,000	250,000 – 350,000	400,000 – 600,000
Claims Consultant	130,000 – 190,000	260,000 – 360,000	420,000 – 620,000
Cost Consultant	140,000 – 200,000	270,000 – 370,000	430,000 – 650,000
Estimator	110,000 – 170,000	240,000 – 340,000	380,000 – 550,000
Procurement Specialist	120,000 – 180,000	250,000 – 350,000	400,000 – 600,000
Facilities Manager	130,000 – 190,000	260,000 – 360,000	420,000 – 620,000

These figures are indicative and can vary based on the specific employer, location, and economic conditions.

Summary

Quantity surveying is a vital profession in Nigeria’s construction industry, offering diverse job roles and promising career opportunities. Entry-level candidates require a strong educational background, technical skills, and practical experience to succeed. Regions like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ibadan offer the highest payment structures due to their economic significance and demand for construction projects. Job seekers can find vacancies on platforms like Jobberman, LinkedIn, NgCareers, MyJobMag, and Indeed. Understanding salary expectations helps applicants make informed decisions about their career paths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quantity surveying jobs in Nigeria present numerous opportunities for career growth and development. By acquiring the necessary skills, gaining practical experience, and exploring job opportunities in regions with the highest payment structures, job seekers can build successful and rewarding careers in this essential field. Embrace the journey, continuously improve your skills, and explore the numerous opportunities that await you in the world of quantity surveying in Nigeria.