Conservation Officer

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives. About

The Role
We have the following position available:

• Fixed Term Contract - 2 years

Bath’s international significance is recognised through its dual World Heritage Site designation, extensive conservation area, and exceptional concentration of historic buildings. Beyond the City of Bath, the wider Bath and North East Somerset area contains a rich and diverse historic environment, including locally distinctive vernacular architecture, nationally important archaeology, and significant industrial and coal mining heritage.

• over 6,000 listed buildings (approximately 3% Grade I, 10% Grade II
  * and 87% Grade II);
• 35 conservation areas;
• 16 registered historic parks and gardens and
• a wide range of undesignated local heritage assets.

To help protect, manage, and enhance our exceptional historic environment, we are seeking experienced historic built environment professionals to join our specialist team on fixed-term contracts of up to two years.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of a unique and valued heritage asset while working alongside a dedicated team of experts.

• Grade 7 Conservation Officer Level 1 (RP067)-£35,570 to £38,510 per annum
• Grade 8 Conservation Officer Level 2 (RP068)-£39,481 to £42,123 per annum

You will work within a well established, multidisciplinary team of conservation and other specialist colleagues. The team undertakes a wide and rewarding range of work, including:

• managing, assessing, and recommending decisions on listed building consent and planning applications;
• advising on development proposals affecting heritage assets;
• guiding new development and capital projects with historic environment implications;
• conservation area designation, review, and appraisal;
• work on heritage at risk and
• contributing to Local Plan policy development and site allocations.

There is also a particular opportunity to support Council led projects, as the Council owns a substantial number of listed buildings across Bath and has responsibility for a wide range of functions within this uniquely sensitive historic environment.

• hold a degree in a relevant subject;
• be a member of, or working towards membership of, the IHBC and ideally RTPI;
• have a demonstrable track record in heritage conservation, the planning process, and achieving high quality outcomes;
• possess a strong understanding of national and local historic environment policy and legislation and
• have previous local government experience.

We are a positive, supportive, and collaborative team, committed to delivering excellent outcomes for both heritage and communities. You will have the opportunity to work in a worldclass historic environment, contribute to addressing major challenges such as climate change and retrofit in historic buildings, and help shape the future of one of the UK’s most significant places.

If you are forward thinking, ambitious, and motivated to make a real difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We support flexible working with the opportunity to move between the award-winning, modern Civic Centre in Keynsham which will be your main office base, and other Council locations in Bath and Midsomer Norton as well as some homeworking.

We aim to hold all interviews for this position face-to-face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidate and panel members.

If you require further information or…