Conservation Officer - Heritage

Conservation Officer - Heritage

My client is a forward-thinking Local Authority set in a picturesque town, who are currently looking to recruit a Conservation Officer (Heritage)! My client's dynamic team is set in Cambridgeshire, and they are looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to join them on a 6-month contract.

As part of the Councils corporate objectives you will help to create, protect, and enhance the Districts environment through the provision of specialist technical advice on a variety of heritage issues.

Working as part of a busy and supportive team the post holder will provide appropriate specialist inputs into the assessment of proposals and works which may affect heritage assets including listed buildings and conservation areas. This input will include the provision of appropriate pre-application advice and the effective and efficient processing of applications. Specialist advice is also provided in the preparation of policy formation and regeneration strategies.

General Duties

• To provide specialist technical advice to the public, developers, agents, members, other departments of the Council, and other persons and bodies as appropriate, in connection with heritage issues in writing, by telephone and in person.
• To provide specialist technical advice relating to historic buildings, conservation areas and other applicable design matters in relation to planning applications and all other development consents.
• Preparing and presenting specialist evidence in response to appeals and other applicable challenges against the decisions of the Planning Authority.
• Providing specialist support to the Councils Planning Enforcement Team regarding unauthorised development as it impacts upon heritage assets.
• To proactively secure the repair of historic buildings through negotiation and the application of legislative controls.
• To prepare and consult upon Policy Statements and other initiatives that relate to conservation and design.

Candidate requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant subject area including Conservation, Architecture, Planning or Urban Design.
• Eligible for membership of the IHBC.
• Knowledge of and experience in implementing legislation relating to listed buildings and conservation areas.
• Experience of working as a conservation officer in a local authority planning department or at an equivalent level in private practice.
• Good interpretative and interpersonal skills are needed to ensure effective evaluation of situations and interactions with all types of customers.
• Ability to understand and interpret legislation and case law.
• Significant negotiation skills are required in order to achieve desired high quality heritage outcomes.
• Willing to travel and occasionally work unsocial hours, as well as a current driving licence.

Interested?

For the ideal candidate, my client is happy to offer a competitive hourly rate as well as an impressive benefits package! For applications please send your up to date CV to Megan Field at megan.field@penguinrecruitment.co.uk