Senior Conservation Officer

Waverley Borough Council; Godalming; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policies

Training and development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Employee assistance programme

LGPS pension membership

Job summary

Waverley Borough Council is seeking a Senior Conservation Officer to join our Planning Specialists Team and help shape a better borough.

As a qualified professional with IHBC membership or equivalent heritage expertise, you will safeguard over 1,700 listed buildings, 44 conservation areas and other assets while guiding colleagues and external partners.

The role is hybrid with 22 hours per week and requires a full driving licence. Closing date 25 September 2026; interviews in Godalming.

Qualifications

• IHBC membership or equivalent heritage conservation experience.
• Full driving licence (UK).
• Hybrid role with regular attendance at the Council Offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on heritage assets to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Support the Planning Services team and contribute to place-shaping and key developments.
• Advise on preservation and enhancement of Waverley’s heritage assets.

Skills

Negotiation skills

IHBC membership

Full driving license

Job description

Vacancy Description

£43,993 per annum pro rata to 22 hours a week - £26,158 per annum

Location:

Contract:

Permanent

Working Pattern:

Part Time

Hours:

22 hours per week.

DBS Check:

No

Closing Date:

25/09/2026 at 09:00

Reference:

EPP/26/343200

Use your expertise to make a lasting impact

At Waverley Borough Council, we’re proud of our commitment to delivering high-quality services to our communities. We’re seeking a skilled Senior Conservation Officer to join our Planning Specialists Team and help us shape a better borough.

About the Role

As a qualified Senior Conservation Officer, who has obtained IHBC membership or who has similar knowledge and expertise gained through relevant work experience; the you will be one of Waverley’s custodians of over 1,700 listed buildings, 44 conservation areas and numerous heritage assets. Providing support, guidance and specialist advice to both colleagues within Planning Services and external stakeholders, you will have demonstrable experience within your field of expertise.

You will sit in the Planning Specialist Team with a Principal Conservation Officer, Conservation Officer, Urban Design Specialist and technician, all working towards place shaping and the delivery of key developments to meet the growth needs of the Borough.

About You

With well-developed negotiation skills, you will be responsible for ensuring the best outcomes for the preservation and enhancement of Waverley’s heritage assets. We take a pragmatic approach to managing our historic environment and you will have a similar outlook, seeking to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

Waverley is a beautiful rural authority with a focus on four distinct settlements. A full valid driving license is essential to this role to ensure you can visit sites efficiently and with ease. It is a hybrid role with a requirement for regular attendance at the Council Offices.

What We Offer

In return for your valued contribution, we offer a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Hybrid and agile working policies
• Training and development opportunities including apprenticeships
• Generous annual leave and flexi time
• An employee assistance programme
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

For an informal conversation, please contact Sophie Piper, Principal Conservation Officer by email ([e-mail] ) or phone [phone]) or Sarah Wells, Planning Specialists Team Leader by email ([e-mail] ) or phone [phone])

The closing date for application is 9am on the 25th September 2026 and we anticipate interviews being held in person in Godalming on 7th October 2026.

Equality and Inclusion Statement

The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council

Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time.

Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.

Information

We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.

From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.

As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑moneyservices and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.

We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trustedand open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.

While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaborationthrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalismand delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.

Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.