Principal Conservation Officer

Join to apply for the Principal Conservation Officer role at WMJobs

Grade D – £45,091 – £53,460

Consultation grade – subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review

Working 36.5 hours per week

Birmingham is a city with a rich heritage and an ambitious future. We are seeking a skilled Principal Conservation Officer to help protect, enhance and promote the historic environment as part of the city’s regeneration and design agenda. You will provide expert heritage and conservation advice within the planning process, contribute to regeneration projects, and support the development of strategies and guidance that preserve Birmingham’s architectural and cultural legacy.

• Provide specialist conservation advice on planning applications, listed building consents and pre-application enquiries.
• Prepare conservation guidance, design briefs and heritage-led policy documents to support high‑quality development.
• Research and assess historic buildings and areas, contributing to statutory and local listings and potential conservation area designations.
• Lead on the preparation of conservation area appraisals, management plans and public consultation activities.
• Contribute to the project management of repair, restoration and grant‑funded heritage schemes across the city.
• Represent the Council at Public Inquiries, providing expert evidence under cross‑examination where required.
• Promote awareness of Birmingham’s historic environment through engagement with members, partners and the public.

You will be passionate about the city’s heritage and skilled in balancing conservation considerations with growth and regeneration priorities.

• Significant experience in heritage conservation within the planning and development context.
• Strong knowledge of conservation legislation, national/local heritage policies and the planning system.
• Expertise in architectural and urban design issues, with the ability to appraise development proposals critically.
• Experience managing complex conservation projects, including building repairs and landscape restoration schemes.
• Confident communication skills, with experience representing an organisation at public meetings or inquiries.
• Ability to build strong relationships with partners, funders, community groups and heritage organisations.
• Strong report writing, illustrative and IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and project‑management systems.

• Play a key role in shaping the future of Birmingham’s historic environment.
• Contribute to regeneration, place‑making and design excellence across a major UK city.
• Work on diverse and high‑profile heritage assets, buildings and conservation areas.
• Support successful funding bids and grant programmes enabling heritage‑led improvement.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary professionals in a supportive and innovative team.
• Represent the Council nationally and regionally, sharing best practice in conservation and design.
• Help promote and celebrate Birmingham’s heritage with communities and stakeholders.

Please upload your up‑to‑date CV via the attachments part of your application; this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquiries please contact:

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.