Conservation and Design Officer

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension

Flexible working

Continual learning & development

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Conservation Officer to join the Conservation & Design Team. You’ll assess applications for Grade I, II* and II listed buildings and Conservation Areas, and contribute to planning guidance and responses at committees and inquiries.

The role requires a Town and Country Planning or Building Conservation qualification, with IHBC membership advantageous. A practical, solution‑oriented approach will help safeguard heritage while supporting sustainable reuse.

Qualifications

• Good communication skills (written and spoken).
• Ability to write reports and policy documents and give presentations.
• Skilled at assessing development proposals and providing design advice to heritage assets.

Responsibilities

• Assess, negotiate and determine applications for listed buildings and Conservation Areas at pre-application and application stages across the Dorset Council area.
• Contribute to guidance notes and Planning Documents; participate in committees, appeal hearings and inquiries.
• Provide specialist enforcement advice and review Conservation Area Appraisals and the Buildings at Risk Register.

Skills

Communication skills

Report writing

Public speaking

Diplomacy

Education

Town and Country Planning

Building Conservation

Job description

Protect it. Shape it. Enjoy it. Be part of Dorset.

Are you an experienced Conservation professional with a passion for the historic environment, and a pragmatic outlook regarding Listed Buildings and the historic environment?

Come and join our friendly dedicated Conservation & Design Team as a Conservation Officer and experience the beauty of Dorset every day in your job.

With over 12500 Listed Building and 188 Conservation Areas, Dorset Council is a largely rural county with a diverse landscape and long history. Over half of the county is designated as a National Landscape, and three quarters of the coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast Natural World Heritage site.

As the home of Thomas Hardy, Corfe Castle, the iconic Gold Hill, and the Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset is a fascinating place to work.

We have a friendly workplace where you’ll be free to learn and thrive. Employee benefits include a local government pension, flexible working and continual learning and development. With beautiful beaches and countryside on your doorstep too, a career in Dorset comes with everything you need.

What will you be doing?

Working with a supportive and enthusiastic team of Conservation Officers you will:

• be responsible for assessing and negotiating applications for Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings and Conservation Areas at pre-application and application stage across the Dorset Council area
• be playing an active role in development management both in the assessment and determination of Listed Building Consent applications, and also in providing consultation responses to planning applications affecting heritage assets
• contribute to the development of guidance notes and Supplementary Planning Documents, and take part in planning committees, appeal hearings and inquiries
• investigate and provide specialist advice on enforcement cases

You may also have the opportunity to review and update Conservation Area Appraisals, and assess the Buildings at Risk Register.

We take a practical approach to managing our historic environment. We’re looking for someone who shares this outlook—someone who’s not only passionate about conservation but also driven to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. If you’re resourceful, practical, and keen to make a tangible difference, we’d love to hear from you.

About You

The successful applicant will have an appropriate qualification in Town and Country Planning, Building Conservation, or a related discipline. Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is an advantage.

You Will

• have good communication skills (written and spoken) and the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations
• be able to write reports and policy documents and give presentations to committees, appeals and other groups. You will be skilled and experienced at assessing development proposals and their impacts on heritage assets and at providing technical and design advice to Listed Building occupiers and those in Conservation Areas
• have experience working with large estates and challenging stakeholders is desirable
• have a pragmatic outlook regarding Listed Buildings ensuring that they remain in productive uses for future generations
• be confident and diplomatic in dealing with customers and stakeholders
• need to demonstrate a proven ability to make competent decisions on matters relating to listed buildings and Conservation Areas and have a good understanding of relevant policy