Lead Conservation Officer

Dacorum Borough Council; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government council in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Lead Conservation Officer to join their Design and Heritage team. This part-time position (15 hours/week) involves providing specialist advice on development proposals affecting the historic environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in local authorities related to conservation. The position offers flexible working patterns and a market forces supplement.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

19.5% employer contribution pension scheme

Flexible working patterns

Market forces supplement of £3,000 per annum pro rata

Qualifications

• Experience working in a Local Authority.
• Ability to provide advice on conservation-related applications.
• Reliable and driven personality.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Development Management team to provide specialist advice.
• Liaise with elected Members and the public on development affecting historic environments.
• Conduct site visits in rural areas.

Skills

Knowledge of planning applications and appeals

Experience with Listed Buildings

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration with local authorities

Driving license valid in the UK

Job description

Job Description

Permanent

Part-time - 15 hours per week

Ref: P0820

Why come to Dacorum?

Just a 25-minute train journey from the centre of London, Dacorum occupies an enviable location just outside of the M25 and is home to the towns of Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring. Dacorum is an active and green place which is a centre of business, enterprise and ambition. As such we receive exciting and challenging applications in our towns and rural areas including the Green Belt -experiences to really develop your planning career.

We are an innovative and ambitious planning department, dealing with not only a high number of major planning applications but being at the forefront of planning system advances.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced candidate to join our growing wider Development Management service. If you have the drive, ambition and relevant expertise to help shape the built environment, benefit local communities and provide high quality sustainable development we want to hear from you.

What can we offer you?

Generous holiday entitlement - outstanding 19.5% employer contribution pension scheme - flexible working patterns – please see our full package of benefits.

What is the opportunity?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Lead Conservation Officer to join the Design and Heritage team within the Specialist Services section of our Planning Development Management Service. You will work alongside and provide specialist advice to colleagues in Development Management on all aspects of development affecting the historic environment to ensure that a high quality of place results from development proposals and applications in the borough.

The role will involve liaising with other Services, elected Members, members of the public and applicants at both application and pre-application stage. You should have experience of working in a Local Authority and of providing advice on planning applications and appeals relating to Listed Buildings, Conservations Areas, Registered Parks and Gardens and their settings.

Further information

The successful candidates must be driven, enthusiastic and reliable. Applicants must have a driving licence which is valid in the UK and use of a vehicle or have access to frequent car use and able to carry out site visits in rural areas.

The vacancy is part of a very small team, and some working hours should be across Wednesdays or Thursdays. This position attracts a market forces supplement of £3,000 per annum pro rata and is subject to review in Spring 2027.

If you would like to discuss these opportunities, or if you have any questions, please feel free to email Tobias Fett: [e-mail].

Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date: Midnight 17th August 2025

Interviews: Between 25th August 2025 and 5th September 2025