Senior Conservation Officer

Guildford Borough Council: Senior Conservation Officer

Salary: £35-593 – £48,519 (Grades 5- 6)

Contract: Permanent

Hours of work: 37 hours per week

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and positive Senior Conservation Officer who has a passion for the built environment and robust understanding of relevant legislation, to advocate for the preservation and enhancement of Guildford Borough’s rich and varied architectural heritage.

It is an interesting and exciting time for Guildford. In line with our ambitious local plan the Borough is embarking on a period of significant growth over the coming decade, but with a firm commitment to protecting and enhancing the borough’s historic character. This includes 1200 listed buildings, ranging from medieval timber framed structures to arts and crafts dwellings by nationally recognised architects, and 40 conservation areas covering rural villages, Victorian suburbs and the garden city movement. As such, the role will be suited to someone who wants to experience a wide variety of heritage issues, both rural and urban, and is able to rise to the challenge of balancing frequently competing objectives and priorities.

The postholder must be able to demonstrate a commitment to conservation best practice, be able to give pragmatic heritage advice and work collaboratively with planners, agents and other consultees, have a strong working knowledge and understanding of building history, construction and materials, conservation principles, policy and legislation.

Working within the Council’s Planning Service, the role will involve a stimulating balance of casework and strategic guidance, and will include:

• Providing specialist conservation, design, architectural and technical advice on developments affecting the historic environment including listed building consent, planning applications, pre applications, major PPAs and enforcement cases
• Undertake the preparation and adoption of Conservation Area Character Appraisals
• Promotion and championing of building conservation and the historic environment across the Borough
• Maintain and improve records relating to the historic environment including listed buildings, conservation areas, local list schedule and ancient monuments
• Contribute to ongoing policy work

Applicants should have a recognised degree/post graduate qualification in built heritage conservation or a related discipline, as well as proven professional experience within a built conservation role. Excellent verbal and written communication, strong negotiation, effective time management and competent IT skills are all essential. The successful candidate will also need to hold a full driving licence and have access to a car. 

Membership of a recognised professional body (IHBC, RTPI) would also be desirable as would experience of working within a local planning authority or similar agency.

The role is located at our attractive riverside offices, close to Guildford Town Centre, a short walk from the station. The post also benefits from on site parking as an essential car user. As a Council we offer many employee benefits including a career average earnings pension scheme, childcare vouchers, generous annual leave, and a good work life balance including hybrid working.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact Louise Blaxall, Principal Design and Conservation Officer at louise.blaxall@guildford.gov.uk

Apply online

Please note: The Council may choose to undertake interviews and fill the position during the advertisement period. Should this be the case, the Council will close the advertisement prior to the advertised closing date. Applicants are encouraged to make submissions as early as possible. 

Closing Date: Monday 13^th January 2025 or an earlier date if the Council secures a candidate prior to the closing date.