Historic Environment Conservation Officer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Solihull is seeking an enthusiastic Historic Environment Conservation Officer to join its team. The role involves providing expert advice for the conservation of historical sites, leading the preparation of management plans, and working effectively with stakeholders. A background in the historic environment sector, along with relevant qualifications, is essential. The position offers a friendly, supportive work environment with flexible options. A driving license is required due to travel across the borough.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexitime scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Family and carer-friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Staff discounts and travel subsidies

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with heritage guidance and/or Conservation Area Appraisals.
• Competent in presenting expert evidence at committees and inquiries.
• Knowledge of architectural styles, building construction, and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Council meets statutory responsibilities for historic environment.
• Provide technical advice on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.
• Prepare Conservation Area appraisals and management plans.

Skills

Specialist experience in the historic environment sector

Excellent communication skills

Strong IT skills

Relationship building

Education

Relevant built environment degree or postgraduate qualification

Job description

Solihull Council is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Historic Environment Conservation Officer to join our award winning multi-disciplinary team of Landscape Architects, Urban Designers and Ecologists. Together, we work to protect, conserve and enhance the Borough’s natural, built, and historic environment.

As a key member of the Planning Service, you will ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities for the conservation of the historic environment. You will provide specialist technical advice across the organisation, offering guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and the impact of new development, as well as advising on repair and maintenance issues. You will also lead on the preparation of Conservation Area appraisals and management plans and contribute to local planning policy and corporate projects.

Solihull benefits from a rich and diverse heritage with more than 380 listed buildings, a Local List with 180 assets, and 20 Conservation Areas, all contributing to the borough’s historic character and local distinctiveness. We continue to build on our strengths, assets and expertise to ensure Solihull remains an attractive place to live, work and invest – balancing a successful economy with high quality design and respectful stewardship of our historic environment.

Key Requirements

You will be able to demonstrate specialist experience of working in the historic environment sector, with a full understanding of local authority and UK planning contexts. You will have a track record of working effectively with stakeholders to develop heritage guidance and/or Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

With excellent communication and relationship building skills, you will be competent in preparing and presenting expert evidence at Committees, hearings and/or public inquiries. Your broad knowledge of the historic environment including architectural styles and building construction, backed up with a working knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures will be supported by a relevant built environment degree or post graduate qualification. You will hold, be working towards or be willing to gain, professional membership of IHBC, RIBA or RTPI, with previous relevant experience related to listed buildings and the historic environment.

You will be self-motivated, organised and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Strong IT skills and the ability to work flexibly are essential.

What We Offer:

• A friendly, supportive, and inclusive working environment.
• A range of flexible working options.
• Generous annual leave plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days
• A Flexitime scheme.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer-friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Exclusive employee benefits: staff discounts, subsidised travel passes, Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

Additional Requirements:

• This is a full-time permanent role, working 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of one day attendance at the office, combined with the opportunity for home working. Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required to meet service needs.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car is essential to enable you to travel across the borough to attend sites, as required. For disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

To apply, please click on the link below. Your application should be in your own words and reflect your own personal experiences.

If you have a specific question or require further information regarding this post, please contact Mike Eastwood, Team Leader, Conservation of the Historic Environment, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Ecology Team - on 07768 553099 or email [e-mail] or Martin Saunders, Senior Development Officer – Historic Conservation on email [e-mail]

The closing date for completed applications 25th January 2026

Interviews will be held Tuesday, 3rd February 2026

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Candidates shortlisted for interview will complete a job‑specific assessment followed by an interview. As part of the interview process, you will also be required to give a short presentation, assessing issues relating to a building that we will provide to you.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Attached documents

Job Description and Person Specification