Principal Conservation Officer; Conservation & Environment Team Leader

Principal Conservation Officer (Conservation & Environment Team Leader)

Starting salary up to £54,000 per annum, plus essential car user allowance and relocation package of up to £8,000

Based at King’s Court Council Offices, King’s Lynn, with hybrid working

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take a leading role in protecting, shaping and enhancing one of Norfolk’s most distinctive historic and ecologically sensitive environments. From the medieval streets of King’s Lynn to the European protected coastal character of Hunstanton and National Landscape beyond, the market towns of Downham Market and the rural villages across West Norfolk, our borough has an exceptional historic and ecological story to tell.

You will be joining us at a pivotal point in the delivery of the Council’s high profile regeneration programme including the Grade I Listed Custom House and St Georges Guildhall.

With 44 conservation areas and around 1,900 listed buildings including Houghton Hall and the Sandringham Estate amongst others, this is a role with real variety, professional challenge and visible impact. As our Principal Conservation Officer, you will be the Council’s lead source of specialist conservation advice, helping to make sure growth, regeneration and development are delivered in a way that respects and celebrates the character of West Norfolk.

You will manage a small and dedicated expert team of Conservation, Arboricultural and Ecology specialists and provide clear, authoritative advice to planning colleagues, councillors, applicants, agents, property owners and community stakeholders. Your individual work will include listed building and conservation area casework, conservation area reviews, enhancement schemes, Buildings at Risk activity, advice on major and sensitive proposals, and support for wider corporate and regeneration projects relative to your own work and the specialisms of the team.

We are looking for an experienced conservation professional who can combine technical expertise with sound judgement, practical problem solving and strong communication and management skills. You will be educated to degree or diploma level, or equivalent, with significant post-qualification experience in conservation and design. Full membership of the IHBC and/or eligibility for RTPI membership is required, alongside a good understanding of conservation, planning legislation, national guidance and local government procedures related to the Conservation & Environment functions.

In return, we can offer a competitive salary, flexible/hybrid working options, generous annual leave, the Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to work in a beautiful and varied borough where your professional expertise will make a lasting difference. For those looking to relocate, we also offer a relocation package.

Close Date: 30 September 2026