Historic Buildings Officer

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Woking is looking for a Historic Buildings Officer to manage conservation areas and historic buildings. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a heritage-related subject and strong knowledge of UK architecture. This role offers a competitive salary, opportunities for agile working, and the chance to positively impact community heritage. You will work in a dynamic team environment focused on historic conservation, with additional benefits such as substantial holiday allowances and a supportive development framework.

Benefits

26 days' holiday

Generous local government pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development hub

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a demonstrable passion for the historic environment.
• Broad knowledge of British architecture and historic buildings with an understanding of the planning process.
• Strong investigation and assessment skills in conserving historic buildings.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop the Historic Buildings service.
• Advise on sites ranging from medieval to Cold War structures.
• Assess, conserve, and manage historic buildings within the planning process.

Skills

Knowledge of UK architecture

Problem-solving skills

Excellent written and communication skills

Confidence using Microsoft Office

GIS applications

Full valid UK driving licence

Education

Degree in a heritage-related subject

Associate member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation

Job description

This role has a salary range of £33,552 - £45,135 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.

Are you looking to develop a career in Conservation Area and Historic Buildings Management?

Surrey County Council have an exciting new opportunity for a Historic Buildings Officer to join our Historic Environment Planning Team. We are part of the Place directorate which provides heritage-related advice, guidance and planning guidance to a number of organisations, as well as to the general public.

Our Offer to You:

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

Surrey County Council is the County Planning Authority, responsible for planning applications relating to minerals, waste, and the Council's own development proposals, including Education and Highways.

We are seeking a Historic Buildings Officer to support and develop our Historic Buildings service. The work is varied: you may advise on sites ranging from medieval domestic buildings to 18th‑century landscapes or Cold War structures. Based in Woking, with opportunities for agile working, this role suits a qualified heritage specialist keen to grow their skills in assessing, conserving, and managing historic buildings, conservation areas, and heritage landscapes within the planning process.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of UK architecture and architectural history, with experience in investigating, assessing, and conserving historic buildings and areas. This is a Personal Development Plan‑linked post, with appointment possible across several grade scales depending on experience. A degree in a heritage‑related subject (such as History, Archaeology, or Architectural Studies) is required, along with enthusiasm for learning and empathy for the subject. Applicants should be at least Associate members of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a demonstrable passion for the historic environment
• Have a well-developed and broad knowledge of British architecture and historic buildings, and an understanding of the planning processevidence of problem-solving with regards to complex, phased historic sites
• Excellent written and communication skills and be confident at using Microsoft Office and GIS applications
• Full, valid UK driving licence

To apply, we request that you submit a CV, and a personal statement of no more than two pages which outlines the reasons for your interest in this role and your relevant qualifications and experience of historic buildings management.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 11th January 2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.