Heritage Conservation Officer — Flexible Work & Impact

Cheltenham Borough Council; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Holiday entitlement 26 days pro rata

Flexible working / work from home

Learning and development

Volunteer time off

Healthcare Cashback Plan

Cycle to work

Parking

Wellbeing

Job summary

C Cheltenham Borough Council is seeking a Conservation Officer to manage listed building consent applications, validate and inspect sites, and provide expert heritage guidance to applicants and colleagues.

You will present applications to Planning Committee, engage with developers, and represent the council at appeals, driving heritage solutions and safeguarding Cheltenham's historic assets. A degree in Building Conservation is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Building Conservation or related discipline.
• Institute of Historic Building Conservation membership (desirable).
• Strong knowledge of architectural history, traditional building materials, and restoration methods for historic buildings.
• Understanding of listed building legislation, conservation policy, guidance and heritage management issues.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels with strong presentation abilities.
• Customer-focused, proactive and self-motivated with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain clear records.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to understand scaled plans/drawings.
• Creative problem-solver with flexible approach and commitment to delivering high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of listed building consent applications and pre-applications, including validation, site inspections, negotiations, consultations and report preparation.
• Present applications to Planning Committee and provide heritage advice to council members and officers on planning matters affecting heritage assets.
• Represent the council at appeal hearings and public inquiries on heritage matters, and provide expert witness evidence when required.
• Act as a specialist consultant to development management colleagues on planning applications that may impact heritage assets.
• Advise architects, agents, professionals and the public on conservation areas, listed buildings and the planning process.
• Contribute to conservation projects including conservation area appraisals and planning policy documents.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong negotiation skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Understand scaled plans/drawings

Creative problem-solving

Work under pressure & meet deadlines

Attention to detail

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in Building Conservation or related discipline

Institute of Historic Building Conservation membership (desirable)

Job description

C Cheltenham Borough Council is seeking a Conservation Officer to manage listed building consent applications, validate and inspect sites, and provide expert heritage guidance to applicants and colleagues.

You will present applications to Planning Committee, engage with developers, and represent the council at appeals, driving heritage solutions and safeguarding Cheltenham's historic assets. A degree in Building Conservation is essential.