Nottingham City Council: Principal Conservation Officer

The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC); Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

LGPS

Flexible & hybrid working

Professional development

Influence major historic city

Job summary

Nottingham City Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Conservation Officer to lead on the conservation and enhancement of Nottingham’s diverse historic environment within the Planning Services.

You will advise on heritage matters across planning applications, listed buildings, conservation areas and strategic regeneration, working with planners, Historic England, developers and local communities to deliver high-quality, site-responsive projects.

Qualifications

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in conservation, historic building conservation, planning, architecture, heritage management, building surveying, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in built heritage conservation within local authority, consultancy, Historic England or similar.
• Detailed knowledge of heritage legislation, national planning policy and guidance relating to historic environment.
• Strong understanding of building conservation principles, architectural history, traditional construction techniques and historic building materials.
• Experience in assessing significance, setting, heritage impact, public benefits and securing positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills with ability to provide robust, proportionate advice.
• Collaborative, solution-focused approach with genuine passion for conservation and enhancement of historic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice across planning applications, listed buildings, conservation area projects and strategic regeneration initiatives.
• Lead review and updating of Conservation Area Management Plans and translate into meaningful actions on the ground.
• Collaborate with planners, urban designers, regeneration colleagues, Historic England, developers and communities to deliver high-quality development.

Skills

Heritage conservation expertise

Planning advice

Negotiation and report-writing

Stakeholder engagement

Collaborative, solution-focused

Communication skills

Heritage legislation knowledge

Education

Degree/postgraduate in conservation/planning/architecture

Job description

Nottingham City Council: Principal Conservation Officer

Starting Salary is £40,777 (level one), rising to £44,075 (level four) plus a £5,000 p/a market supplement (approved to August 2027) – pay award pending

Location: Nottingham (Hybrid Worker)

Help Shape the Future of a Historic and Ambitious City

Nottingham City Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Conservation Officer to lead on the conservation and enhancement of one of the UK’s most diverse and significant historic environments.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a city where heritage, regeneration and growth come together. From Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market to historic neighbourhoods, civic landmarks and industrial heritage, Nottingham’s rich historic environment plays a vital role in shaping the city’s identity and future.

As Nottingham continues to deliver ambitious regeneration and investment programmes, we are looking for a conservation professional who can provide expert leadership and help ensure that our heritage assets are protected, celebrated and integrated into sustainable growth.

Why Nottingham?

Nottingham is one of the UK’s leading Core Cities, combining a rich historic legacy with a strong commitment to regeneration, sustainability and place-making. The Council’s Development Management Service is at the heart of this work, bringing together planning, urban design, conservation, trees, enforcement and regeneration expertise to help create a thriving, green and ambitious city.

This is an exciting time to join us, with major city centre regeneration schemes, heritage-led investment projects and opportunities to influence the future management of some of Nottingham’s most important historic places.

The Role

As Principal Conservation Officer, you will be the Council’s lead specialist adviser on heritage and conservation matters, providing expert advice across a wide range of planning applications, listed building proposals, conservation area projects and strategic regeneration initiatives.

You will work collaboratively with planners, urban designers, regeneration colleagues, Historic England, developers, elected members and local communities to help deliver high-quality development that respects and enhances Nottingham’s unique historic character.

A major focus of the role will be leading the review and updating of Nottingham’s Conservation Area Management Plans and helping to translate these into meaningful actions and improvements on the ground. This presents an exceptional opportunity to influence both conservation policy and practical delivery across the city.

About You

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in conservation, historic building conservation, planning, architecture, heritage management, building surveying, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience of built heritage conservation within a local authority, consultancy, Historic England or similar professional environment.
• Detailed knowledge of heritage legislation, national planning policy and guidance relating to the historic environment.
• A strong understanding of building conservation principles, architectural history, traditional construction techniques and historic building materials.
• Experience in assessing significance, setting, heritage impact, public benefits and securing positive outcomes for heritage assets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills, with the ability to provide robust, proportionate and defensible professional advice.
• A collaborative and solution-focused approach, coupled with a genuine passion for the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.

Why Join Nottingham City Council?

In Return, We Offer

• Competitive salary and excellent terms and conditions.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
• The chance to influence the future of a major historic city through a wide-ranging and rewarding conservation role.

At Nottingham City Council, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and innovative working environment where everyone can thrive.

Find Out More

For An Informal Discussion About The Role, Please Contact

Gillian Bradbury

Planning Services Manager

[e-mail]

Closing Date

Tuesday 22 September 2026 (Midnight)

Interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received and therefore encourage early applications.