Conservation Officer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking a qualified Conservation Officer to provide expert conservation and heritage advice. You will work with various teams to ensure high-quality development while protecting heritage assets. Key responsibilities include leading negotiations on heritage impacts and acting as a Case Officer for listed buildings. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Building Conservation or a related discipline and strong communication skills. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangements

Health Cash Plan Scheme

Qualifications

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Building Conservation, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
• Good knowledge and experience of current conservation legislation, policy, and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist conservation and heritage advice across the Council’s Development service.
• Lead negotiations on heritage impact for planning and listed building applications.
• Act as Case Officer for listed building applications without associated planning applications.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of conservation legislation

Experience in providing detailed advice

Education

Degree in Building Conservation or related discipline

Chartered membership or working towards of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation

Job description

About Us

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, hometo over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount

Professional Development

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee

Financial Planning

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role

This new position will join the existing team of Conservation Officers, Urban Designers, and Forestry and Landscape Officers within the Development Delivery Department of the Council, providing expert conservation and heritage advice to support the delivery of high-quality and sympathetic development from pre-application to post-application stages.

Bringing your technical knowledge and skills, you will work with the Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement teams to inform decision making across the Council’s built environment, comprising over 3,300 listed buildings and 75 Conservation Areas.

You will play an active role in negotiations on heritage impact for development proposals at all scales, including major applications and proposed works to listed buildings. Where listed building applications do not require an associated planning applications you will lead the determination process as Case Officer. You will also be instrumental in supporting our Enforcement Team, providing expert knowledge to delivery the continued protection of the District’s heritage assets.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details)

• Provide specialist conservation and heritage advice across the Council’s Development service, including Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement.
• Lead negotiations on heritage impact for planning and listed building applications.
• Act as Case Officer for listed building applications without associated planning applications.
• Advise Enforcement Officers on harm associated with unauthorised works to listed buildings.
• Attend meetings, including Planning Committee to provide specialist advice regarding conservation and heritage matters.
• Provide both written and oral expert evidence on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for planning appeals or prosecutions.

What You’ll Need (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details)

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Building Conservation, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation or other appropriate professional body.
• Good knowledge and experience of current conservation legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Experience of effective stakeholder engagement and/ or providing detailed advice to members, officers, developers, and the public on conservation and heritage.
• Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to conservation and heritage.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Alexander Folliss, Design, Landscape & Conservation Team Leader on 01789 260 348 or [e-mail].

Applications will close at midnight on Monday 26th January 2026.

Interviews will be held week beginning 9th February 2026.