Executive Architectural Conservation Officer

Localgov; Ennis; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Localgov is seeking an Executive Architectural Conservation Officer to lead and integrate conservation duties within the Planning Department, supporting heritage and archaeological matters across planning processes. You will collaborate with Councillors to implement local policy and deliver efficient planning services.

The role requires deep knowledge of architectural heritage, conservation strategies, and the legal framework, with strong administrative and team leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Hold NFQ Level 8 qualification in a technical discipline related to the built environment.
• Five years’ satisfactory post-qualification experience (four years for registered architects).
• Knowledge of architectural heritage, design and conservation, strategic planning and urban design, and the legal framework governing architectural conservation and planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage elements of the Planning Department and provide a range of services to Local Authorities.
• Provide advice on architectural and archaeological heritage matters relating to planning applications and plans.
• Work with elected Councillors to deliver the full range of services and implement local policy decisions.

Skills

Good character

Good health

Public service experience

Education

NFQ Level 8 in technical discipline (built environment)

NFQ Level 8 with historic built environment as major

Postgraduate NFQ Level 9 or 10 in historic built environment

Job description

Professional and Technical

The Executive Architectural Conservation Officer is responsible for managing elements of the Planning Department and providing a range of services to Local Authorities.

The Architectural Conservation Officer is required to play a central role in protecting, promoting, and harnessing the potential of the architectural heritage and archaeology of the County, implementing Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) through providing advice on architectural and archaeological heritage matters relating to planning applications and plans and strategies.

Reporting to the assigned line manager, the Executive Architectural Conservation Officer will be responsible for the efficient management of their prescribed work area within the conservation or related function. Managers at this level work within defined parameters relevant to the position, in accordance with the Local Authority’s vision and objectives. The Executive Architectural Conservation Officer will be required to work closely with elected Councillors to deliver the full range of services and implement local policy decisions. Delivery of efficient services and value for money is crucial.

KEY SERVICE AREAS

Executive Architectural Conservation Officer positions are multi-faceted and may include some or all of the following key service areas within the Local Authority:

• Development Management
• Planning Enforcement
• Economic Development
• Forward Planning and Sustainable Development
• Community Development, Heritage & Town Renewal

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) hold a recognised qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 in a technical discipline related to the built environment including but not limited to architecture, structural engineering, building surveying or spatial planning

OR

a qualification at NFQ Level 8 in which the historic built environment was a major subject including but not limited to archaeology, history of art or architectural conservation

OR

a postgraduate qualification at NFQ Levels 9 or 10 in which the historic built environment was a major subject,

AND

(b) After attaining the qualification referred to at (a) above, have five years’ satisfactory experience relevant to the post (or four years for registered architects),

AND

(c) Have a satisfactory knowledge of architectural heritage, design and conservation, strategic planning and urban design, and the legal framework governing architectural conservation and planning,

AND

(d) possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the work undertaken, including administrative experience, and have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition. *Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.