Built Heritage Consultant, Place Services

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chelmsford seeks a Built Heritage Specialist to provide expert conservation advice to planning authorities. The role involves producing appraisals, collaborating with architects, and managing various heritage projects across Essex and the South East. Ideal candidates must have postgraduate education in building conservation, relevant work experience, and strong project management skills. Benefits include generous holiday entitlement and a local government pension scheme.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 27 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life assurance of three times annual salary

Learning and Development opportunities

Employee wellbeing and counselling provision

Employee networks and volunteering leave

Eye care vouchers and travel discounts

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years relevant work experience as a built heritage specialist.
• Working towards membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
• Good knowledge of guidance, legislation and planning policy for the historic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide conservation advice to local planning authorities.
• Produce conservation area appraisals and Heritage Impact Assessments.
• Contribute to built heritage project work across a broad area.

Skills

Building conservation knowledge

Written and verbal communication skills

Project management skills

Technical experience in site analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Postgraduate level education in building conservation

Degree with built heritage experience

Job description

Overview

You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day a week and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need. You will primarily work across Essex, London and the South East as part of a performance‑driven, multi‑disciplinary team of dedicated professionals in a region with a rich historic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide conservation advice (role of conservation officer) to local planning authorities through written responses and meetings, including on‑site and virtual support for appeals.
• Produce and contribute to conservation area appraisals, design guidance, Built Heritage Statements, Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Management Plans.
• Cross‑work with archaeological specialists and joint working with our Natural and Built Environment teams within Place Services.
• Contribute to a wide variety of built heritage project work across a broad geographic area.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate level education in building conservation (or related discipline) or degree level with significant built heritage experience.
• Working towards full membership or working towards full membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
• A minimum of two years relevant work experience as a built heritage specialist in either the private or public sector.
• Good knowledge of guidance, legislation and planning policy pertaining to the historic environment.
• Good level of technical experience and knowledge of building conservation, including site analysis, evidence‑based reporting and experience of development management and listed building consent proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation, and confident interpersonal skills.
• Good project management skills, including the ability to prioritise work whilst maintaining focus on key projects or activities within tightly defined timescales.
• Mobile throughout the operational area; driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative mobility arrangements required.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement of 27 days per annum (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy additional annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Life assurance of three times annual salary.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing and counselling provision.
• Employee networks and volunteering leave.
• Eye care vouchers, travel discounts, season ticket loans and more.

EEO and Diversity

Essex County Council is committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under the Job Interview Scheme and all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a success partner for diverse applicants. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. All employees are expected to uphold our code of conduct and the Nolan principles.