Conservation Officer

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Keynsham office base

Job summary

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking experienced historic built environment professionals to join our conservation team on fixed-term contracts up to two years. You will work on listed buildings, planning decisions, and heritage-led development within Bath and the surrounding area, contributing to Local Plan policy and conservation area work.

The roles are career-graded; Grade 7 and Grade 8 levels, with progression based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in a relevant subject.
• Be a member of, or working towards IHBC membership and ideally RTPI.
• Demonstrable track record in heritage conservation, the planning process, and achieving high-quality outcomes.
• Strong understanding of national and local historic environment policy and legislation.
• Previous local government experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage listed building consent decisions and planning applications.
• Advise on development proposals affecting heritage assets.
• Guide new development and capital projects with historic environment implications.
• Conservation area designation, review, and appraisal.
• Work on heritage at risk and contribute to Local Plan policy development and site allocations.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Planning process knowledge

Local government experience

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

IHBC membership or RTPI status (desirable)

Job description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve people's lives.

About the Role

We have the following position available:

• Fixed Term Contract - 2 years

Bath's international significance is recognised through its dual World Heritage Site designation, extensive conservation area, and exceptional concentration of historic buildings. Beyond the City of Bath, the wider Bath and North East Somerset area contains a rich and diverse historic environment, including locally distinctive vernacular architecture, nationally important archaeology, and significant industrial and coal-mining heritage.

Across the district there are:

• over 6,000 listed buildings (approximately 3% Grade I, 10% Grade II* and 87% Grade II);
• 35 conservation areas;
• 16 registered historic parks and gardens and
• a wide range of undesignated local heritage assets.

To help protect, manage, and enhance our exceptional historic environment, we are seeking experienced historic built environment professionals to join our specialist team on fixed-term contracts of up to two years.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of a unique and valued heritage asset while working alongside a dedicated team of experts.

Please note: these roles are offered on a career-graded basis. The grade appointed will reflect the successful candidate's qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience.

• Grade 7 - Conservation Officer Level 1 (RP067) – £35,570 to £38,510 per annum
• Grade 8 - Conservation Officer Level 2 (RP068) – £39,481 to £42,123 per annum

The team and work you will do:

You will work within a well-established, multidisciplinary team of conservation and other specialist colleagues. The team undertakes a wide and rewarding range of work, including:

• managing, assessing, and recommending decisions on listed building consent and planning applications;
• advising on development proposals affecting heritage assets;
• guiding new development and capital projects with historic environment implications;
• conservation area designation, review, and appraisal;
• work on heritage at risk and
• contributing to Local Plan policy development and site allocations.

There is also a particular opportunity to support Council-led projects, as the Council owns a substantial number of listed buildings across Bath and has responsibility for a wide range of functions within this uniquely sensitive historic environment.

About you

You will:

• hold a degree in a relevant subject;
• be a member of, or working towards membership of, the IHBC and ideally RTPI;
• have a demonstrable track record in heritage conservation, the planning process, and achieving high-quality outcomes;
• possess a strong understanding of national and local historic environment policy and legislation and
• have previous local government experience.

Why join us?

We are a positive, supportive, and collaborative team, committed to delivering excellent outcomes for both heritage and communities. You will have the opportunity to work in a world-class historic environment, contribute to addressing major challenges such as climate change and retrofit in historic buildings, and help shape the future of one of the UK's most significant places.

If you are forward-thinking, ambitious, and motivated to make a real difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We support flexible working with the opportunity to move between the award-winning, modern Civic Centre in Keynsham which will be your main office base, and other Council locations in Bath and Midsomer Norton as well as some homeworking.

Interviews and information

We aim to hold all interviews for this position face-to-face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidate and panel members.

If you require further information or want an informal chat about the role, please contact Deputy Head of Planning, Paula Freeland or Principal Conservation Officer, Jayne Boldy by e-mail at [e-mail], [e-mail]

Interview date: TBC

Please no agencies.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council's at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer - find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.