Conservation Assistant

The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC); Thames Centre; On-site; CAD 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Conservation Assistant to join their Conservation and Design Team. This role involves providing general technical and legal advice on heritage assets, supporting the conservation of Dorset's rich historical environment. Ideal candidates should have at least 2 A-levels along with 5 GCSEs, including maths and English, and a passion for heritage preservation. Candidates will enjoy flexible working arrangements while being part of a dedicated team working for a sustainable future in Dorset.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Employee support and benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to converse confidently with customers in accurate spoken English.
• Commitment to continual personal and professional development.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a related area.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for enquiries regarding listed buildings.
• Provide administrative and technical support to the conservation team.
• Assist with collating research for conservation guidance documents.

Skills

Good communication skills

Basic knowledge of building conservation

Attention to detail

Education

Minimum of 2 A-levels and 5 GCSEs including maths and English

Tools

IT software

Spreadsheets and databases

Mapping software

Job description

Conservation Assistant – Dorset Council

£26,824 – £29,540

Full time

Location: Dorchester

Are you a recent school leaver or graduate with a passion for the historic environment, and preserving our heritage? Come and join our friendly dedicated Team and experience the beauty of Dorset every day in your job. You will have an opportunity to work with experts with a wealth of skills and knowledge who work with partners across Dorset to conserve the historic environment.

We are looking for a Conservation Assistant to join the busy Conservation and Design Team at Dorset Council. With over 12,500 listed buildings and 187 conservation areas, Dorset Council is a largely rural county with a diverse landscape and long history. Over half of the county is designated as National Landscape, and three quarters of the coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast Natural World Heritage site. As the home of Thomas Hardy, the iconic Gold Hill, and the Cerne Abbas giant, Dorset is a fascinating place to work.

What will you be doing?

You will report to the Conservation and Design Team Leader, but also work with a supportive and enthusiastic team of conservation officers. You will be the first point of contact to provide general technical and legal advice on heritage assets to internal and external customers. The team’s work primarily involves the provision of specialist heritage advice to development management, spatial planning and other service areas.

You Will

• Be the first point of call for enquiries regarding listed buildings and conservation areas;
• Act as digital champion for the team, updating records for listed buildings and conservation areas on the Council’s mapping system;
• Provide administrative and technical support to the conservation team;
• Maintain and update the Council’s Listed Building and Conservation Area records and Buildings at Risk register;
• Assist with collating research for new and revised guidance documents and Conservation Area appraisals.

We work flexible hours and support agile working, including working from home where this fits with work demands. You will be expected to undertake continuing professional development.

About You

You will possess good communication skills (written and spoken) and the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. You will have a basic knowledge of building conservation and the relevant legislation.

The post holder will be expected to have a minimum of 2 A‑levels and 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including maths and English at GCSE. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related discipline area is required (e.g. admin/office/technical role), together with a commitment to continual personal and professional development and a willingness to undertake additional relevant professional training.

The post requires the ability to use a range of IT software, spreadsheets and databases, and mapping software, and familiarity with dealing with numerical data. The post holder will need to be able to follow precise instructions, pay attention to detail, and ensure that information is accurately recorded and monitored.

Further Information

This post is at Grade 7. For the right candidate there may be opportunities to undertake on‑job learning to become a Conservation Officer. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Kathryn Melhuish on 01202 228775.

The closing date for applications is 1st March 2026 and interviews will take place week commencing 9th March 2026.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it’s not just about the work we do, it’s about how we do it. We are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We

• Provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents;
• Work in partnership to make a real difference;
• Value every role and the impact it has on our communities;
• Support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive.

You Will

• Be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset;
• Have access to a range of benefits and support;
• Receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.