Principal Conservation Officer

North Yorkshire County Council; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Principal Conservation Officer to enhance the historic environment. The role involves providing expert conservation advice, managing projects, and liaising with stakeholders. A degree in planning or architecture is required, along with post-qualification experience in building conservation. The position is hybrid, requiring travel within North Yorkshire, and the application deadline is September 21, 2025.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in planning, architecture, or related discipline.
• Post Qualification experience in building conservation and planning.
• Evidence of continuous professional and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on regeneration projects related to the historic environment.
• Proactively secure the repair of historic buildings through negotiation.
• Compile and maintain a register of listed buildings at risk.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of building conservation legislation

Planning knowledge

Education

Degree in planning, architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Salary: £42,839 to £47,181 per annum

Grade: L

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

This is a Hybrid role where you will be able to work from home and from one of our office bases (Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Skipton, Selby, Richmond, Harrogate). Please note that the advertised role covers the Scarborough and Whitby area within North Yorkshire; you will be expected to travel within the whole of North Yorkshire.

Our team…

The Council's Planning Services play a fundamental role in managing the natural and built environment, ensuring that the future development needs of the area can be accommodated to make it a better place in which to live and work.

The Environment & Design workstream comprises a multidisciplinary team of specialist disciplines, who support the council's role in place-shaping by working across the whole planning function. The specialisms include building conservation, archaeology, ecology, landscape and urban design.

Role summary

Role summary: Principal Conservation Officer will promote the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment ensuring that it is an integral part of the Council's growth and place making agenda.

You will provide specialist conservation officer advice to ensure statutory requirements and council objectives are met. This includes supporting the preparation of the council's Local Plan, giving advice on the impact of development proposals where this affects the historic environment and advising the internal colleagues and members of the public on heritage works.

North Yorkshire is a large area and you will need to be able to deal with a high and varied workload to meet the priorities of the Council.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide advice on regeneration projects and initiatives related to the historic environment.
• Proactively secure the repair of historic buildings through negotiation and the use of legislative controls as required.
• Prepare and update heritage guidance and other advisory material for agents, developers, property owners, and the general public.
• Review Conservation Area Appraisals and consider whether new ones should be designated, preparing conservation area statements and leaflets.
• Compile and maintain a register of listed buildings at risk and taking action to secure their preservation, often in consultation with Historic England and other Council Departments. May involve preparation and serving of Statutory Notices.
• Managing and assisting in the development of conservation grant schemes and bids and dealing with applications from submission to final payment.
• Provide advice to the general public on building conservation matters. Build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, e.g. Historic England, Civic Societies and Parish Councils.
• Liaise with Historic England and the Department of Culture Media and Sport and put forward buildings for listing were justified by their architectural or historic interest and/or a perceived threat of demolition or inappropriate alteration.
• Build effective relationships and partnerships with external organisations including but not limited to Historic England, York Archaeological Trust, and local conservation groups.

Experience / Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in planning, architecture, or related discipline
• Evidence of continuous professional and personal development.
• Post Qualification experience in building conservation and planning
• Experience of negotiating with a range of bodies and individuals
• Experience of effective communication using a variety of methods tailored to a broad range of stakeholders and customers including experience of presenting evidence at examinations/inquiries and or reports to Members.
• Working across organisational boundaries, developing effective relationships in order to deliver Service projects and priorities.
• High level of knowledge and practical understanding of building conservation, including legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Detailed knowledge of architectural history, building design and traditional building construction.

Contact and Apply

For more information/informal discussion please contact [e-mail] (Environment and Design Manager - Heritage).

Applying is easy, simply click on apply now, register your details, remove your personal details from your CV and upload by midnight on 21/09/2025

Key Dates

• Closing Date: 21/09/2025
• Interviews: w/c 29/09/2025

Key Documents

• Job Description
• Total Rewards

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

North Yorkshire Councils' purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other's contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Apply now