Estates officer
Administration

How to become an estates officer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• building services engineering
• surveying
• construction management
• facilities management

You could do a qualification by distance learning through the University College of Estate Management. This may be an option if you're already working in the industry.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You may be able to take an advanced apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities manager, while working in an estates office. It will usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Direct application

You could apply directly if you've got experience and qualifications in a related career like property management, building health and safety or surveying.

More info

Career tips This job can vary depending on who you work for. As an example, working in local authority or NHS buildings may be different to working in a charity, conservation or on heritage sites. Further information You can find out more about training and working in estate management through The Chartered Institute of Building and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• business management skills
• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restriction & Requirements

Learning to drive can be useful, particularly if you're working in the countryside or across several sites.

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• organising and checking repairs and maintenance
• making sure properties are being used for their intended purpose
• dealing with tenancy applications and monitoring tenancy agreements
• setting and reviewing rents
• checking the potential of property for both short and long term use
• negotiating with landowners and other interested parties about compulsory purchase or purchase by agreement
• advising on land purchase issues
• attending meetings and working with other departments and organisations
• analysing financial and other data, and writing and presenting reports
• keeping up-to-date with land management, building control and environmental issues

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home. Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you may be able to become an estates manager, or specialise in a particular department or area, for example:

• rural estates
• charities or housing associations
• heritage or conservation sites

You may be able to take short courses as part of your job that will help you to develop specialist skills.

The public sector often contracts out estates work to private companies, so there may be opportunities to move between the two.