Principal Conservation Officer

Maidstone Borough Council; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 44,043 - 47,999; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities

Generous holiday entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

A local government authority in Maidstone seeks a Principal Conservation Officer to manage heritage-related planning applications and contribute to Conservation Area appraisals. The role requires a Master's degree in a related field and offers generous benefits including flexible working, a local government pension scheme, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Qualified heritage conservationist with a Master's degree or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in the historic environment.
• Professional membership of IHBC, RIBA or RTPI.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of planning applications related to heritage.
• Produce Conservation Area appraisals and management plans.
• Provide guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation or related

Job description

Principal Conservation Officer

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced individual to join the Heritage, Landscape and Trees team as one of our heritage conservation specialists within the Development Management service at Maidstone Borough Council.

We are looking for someone who can work effectively with partners and customers and who enjoys collaborating and negotiating on new development proposals. Your varied workload will include dealing with your own caseload of planning applications, advising and providing guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas relating to impacts and effects of new development, as well as offering advice relating to Urban Design and advising on repair and maintenance issues. As Principal Conservation Officer, you will also be responsible for the production of Conservation Area appraisals and management plans and contribute to Design Codes, local planning policy and corporate projects.

Base Pay

Salary: Grade 11 £44,043 - £47,999 pa plus up to £5,000 market supplement and essential car user allowance
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Contract: Permanent – Full time 37 hours

About Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy...

Benefits

• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years’ LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave
• Additional 3 days’ leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New Year
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, and part time
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand‑new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits, including discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• Professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You

As Principal Conservation Officer you will be a qualified heritage conservationist, with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Historic Building Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Urban Design or a related discipline, and have an established professional membership of IHBC, RIBA or RTPI. You will have extensive experience of specialist work in the historic environment, a full understanding of the local authority and UK planning context, and experience of developing heritage guidance and/or Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. Excellent communication skills and competence in preparing and presenting expert evidence at Committee meetings, Court hearings and/or public inquiries are essential. A full UK driving licence is essential, with the ability to travel across the borough to attend sites.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Successful candidates will be invited to a job‑specific interview assessment, followed by an interview. As part of the interview process, you will be required to give a short presentation to the panel, using PowerPoint slides.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please visit https://www.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs and complete the online application form or contact Anna Stevens, Landscapes Team Leader, at [e-mail] for further information.

Closing Date: 16th November 2025

Interview Date: w/c 24th November 2025