Executive Architectural Conservation Officer

Clarecoco; Ireland; Remote; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Clare County Council is seeking an Executive Architectural Conservation Officer to lead conservation initiatives, provide expert guidance on protected structures, and drive planning outcomes in County Clare. You will coordinate with stakeholders, manage budgets, and contribute to strategic policy development while ensuring high standards of governance and service delivery.

You will oversee multi-disciplinary teams, monitor conservation projects, assess planning applications with heritage

Qualifications

• Satisfactory knowledge of Clare’s history and historic building typologies
• Strong understanding of architectural conservation in planning and development processes
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams and achieving efficiency and value for money
• Track record delivering results in local authority settings
• Knowledge of Ireland's conservation frameworks and planning regulations
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Awareness of Health & Safety statutory obligations and their workplace impact
• Experience managing budgets and scheduling conservation work

Responsibilities

• Advise Clare County Council on architectural heritage and conservation requirements
• Contribute to conservation policy development in council plans
• Identify and advise on structures with heritage significance for protected structures
• Provide guidance to owners on conservation best practices and funding availability
• Assess declarations and notices relating to conservation requirements
• Monitor protected structures and advise on enforcement when needed
• Report on planning applications with conservation considerations
• Assist with grants for conservation and inspect works
• Engage with stakeholders and present updates and reports
• Lead and manage staff to achieve quality results and operational plans
• Ensure PMDS compliance and staff training
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and ensure value for money

Skills

Heritage conservation

Architectural history

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams

Planning and development processes

Budget management

Communication skills

Health and safety awareness

Project management

Education

NFQ Level 8 qualification in technical discipline related to built environment

Postgraduate qualification in historic built environment

Tools

GIS / mapping software

Job description

Reference ID

199

Closing Date for Application

12:00 PM on 17/09/2026

General Information

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area.Key services areas include planning, Local Enterprise Office, rural and community development, transportation, motor tax, water, environment, emergency services along with housing activation & delivery, libraries, and sports & amenities, property management, derelict sites, and vacant homes. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance and People and Culture functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

The Competition

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Executive Architectural Conservation Officer from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Job Description

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

Essential Skills & Experience for the role

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of Clare’s history and of its historic building typologies and spaces;
• Have a good working knowledge and understanding of architectural conservation and of its role in the planning and development process;
• Have experience of participating in managing and leading multi-disciplinary and cross functional teams and have the ability to motivate, empower, encourage, and achieve maximum efficiency and value for money from the personnel and processes under their control;
• Have a track record of delivering results;
• Understand Local Authority services and structures in Ireland, particularly as they relate to the conservation function, or have the ability to quickly acquire same;
• Be capable of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and in seeking co-operation and consensus with a whole range of bodies and representative groups;
• Be experienced in meeting regularly with stakeholders, providing updates, presentations, and reports, taking customer feedback, and ensuring any learning from same is used to enhance the operations of the organisation;
• Be experienced in contributing to the operational and strategic conservation processes and in the implementation of the agreed aims of same;
• Have excellent interpersonal, and communication skills;
• Have good knowledge and awareness of statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, the implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace;
• Have experience of managing finance and budgets and ensuring value for money;
• Have experience in providing information on the pattern of demand and activity and the skills to schedule/programme the carrying out of work;
• Have good general ICT skills;
• Have a focus on the customer and on service improvement including taking ownership and resolving issues arising;
• Be prepared to undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Duties

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require .

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• To advise Clare County Council in relation to the architectural heritage and conservation provisions and requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning and Development Regulations and any subsequent National and European legislation.
• To contribute to the development of a conservation policy for inclusion in the Councils’ Plans and to promote and implement such policies.
• To identify, evaluate and provide advice on structures, groups of structures, areas and other features of architectural heritage of historical, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical significance, with a view to making recommendations regarding their inclusion in/exclusion from a Record of Protected Structures and on development objectives.
• To provide advice to owners and occupiers of structures included in a Record of Protected Structures on good practice in the conservation of such structures, on the availability of assistance, including financial assistance, for such conservation.
• To assess and make recommendations on Section 57 Declarations and Section 59 Notices in accordance with statutory requirements – including the recording on the GIS and RPS filing system.
• To monitor the state of repair of structures included in a Record of Protected Structures, and if necessary, make recommendations on the need if any, for the planning authority to take enforcement action in such cases.
• To report and advise on planning applications where conservation and/or architectural issues arise.
• To assist with and provide advice concerning the scheme of grants for the conservation of protected structures, including assessing the condition of buildings and the suitability of works, prioritising applications, recommending appropriate conditions, and inspecting works in progress and on completion.
• To consult with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, State Agencies, Voluntary Bodies and European Organisations on matters of architectural conservation.
• To maintain a database of drawings and photographs relating to protected structures, groups of structures and areas, and other features of architectural heritage significance.
• To advise on Local Authority Developments where conservation issues arise.
• To prepare and give evidence in court and at oral hearings where issues of conservation are involved.
• To advise on the sources of funds for conservation and related works and to oversee and manage heritage grant applications.
• To lead, motivate and engage staff to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans.
• To effectively manage performance of staff under their remit.
• To comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in Clare County Council.
• To ensure staff are trained and operate within the relevant skill sets.
• To communicate effectively whether verbally or in written communications with all stakeholders.
• To effectively and efficiently manage budgets and ensure value for money at all times.
• To be familiar with Clare County Council’s Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to promote a positive safety culture to include carrying out risk assessments, safety inspections, and investigation of any accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses.
• Any other associated duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications for the post

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.

Competency 1 Management and Change

• Displays the ability to think and act strategically from a conservation and planning perspective.
• Demonstrates experience and detailed knowledge of the practical application of Irish Planning legislation and key relevant European Directives, including associated procedures.
• Knowledge of historical, emerging, and topical planning trends and issues in Ireland.
• Clear understanding, awareness, and experience of practical reality of maintenance, preservation and promotion of Architectural Heritage including Protected Structures.
• Political awareness, have clear understanding of political reality and context of the organisation and develops and maintains positive, productive, and beneficial working relationships with all stakeholders, in particular Government Departments and Elected Members.

Competency 2 Delivering Results

• Makes timely informed and effective decisions and shows good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations.
• Contributes to the development of operational plans and to the development of specific team plans.
• Ensures compliance with council and external agency procedures and protocols.
• Displays the ability to manage complex projects within legal, fiduciary, and Architectural conservation requirements

Competency 3 Performance Through People

• Leads, motivates, and engages employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively manage performance, including conflict resolution.
• Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills and record keeping.
• Demonstrates the ability and experience of promoting awareness, interest, pride and understanding in architectural and archaeological heritage.

Competency 4 Personal Effectiveness

• Is self-motivated and maintains a positive constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role.
• Manages time and workload effectively with particular reference to statutory obligations and timeframes.
• Demonstrates the required specialist technical knowledge, understanding and training for the role.
• Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement; is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Behaves in an honest, trustworthy, and respectful manner and is transparent, fair, and consistent in dealing with others.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1 st January to 31 st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Working Hours

The working hours effective from 1st July 2022, provide for a five day, thirty-five hour working week. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.

The provisions of Clare County Council’s Leave Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

CANVASSING

Any attempt by a candidate or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Clare County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

It is the responsibility of the candidate to declare if they are in receipt of any convictions/prosecutions and to bring this to the attention of the People & Culture Officer without delay.

GARDA VETTING

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position in line with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.

HEALTH

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT

The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The post-holder will be expected to abide & adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Clare County Council. These include but are not limited to:

• Code of Conduct for Employees
• Attendance Management Policy & Sick Leave scheme
• Grievance
• Performance Management & Development System
• Confidentiality
• Information Communications & Acceptable Usage Policy and Social Media Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Dignity at work

PRIVACY

Please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice

PROBATION

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation;
• such period shall be eleven months, but the Chief Executive may at their own discretion extend such period;
• such persons shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory;
• the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and

Terms of Employment Acts;

• there will be assessments during the probationary

RECRUITMENT

An eligibility exercise may be carried out, if required, on all applications received to determine if applicants satisfy the essential qualification criteria outlined in the Job Specification Document.

Shortlisting:

Clare County Council may short-list based on an examination of the application forms received. In this instance, an expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.

Short-listing does not suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ work experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence if competencies are required for this position. Shortlisting may also take the form of a short interview.

Competency Based Competitions:

If the recruitment competition is competency based, candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within the application form of competence under each of these. Competencies for the competition will be outlined in the Job Specification Document. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates in the application form.

Competitive Interviews:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panels, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

REFERENCE/DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names, and addresses of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a recent former employer and/or current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Clare County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position, Clare County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

RETIREMENT

• The compulsory retirement age for new entrants who joined the public service on or after 1st January 2013 is 70 years. Minimum retirement age is in line with State Pension age changes, as
• There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ who joined between 1st April, 2004 and 31st December 2012 to the public service, subject to being in a state of health to render regular and effecient service. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may retire.
• For employees who joined the public service prior to 31st March 2004, minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is the maximum retirement age.

It should be noted that the terms of Paragraph 13 of Circular Letter EL 02/09 - Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) may need to be considered in some instances. It is a condition of this scheme as set out in the Department of Finance Circular 12/2009 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.

RESIDENCE

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Clare County Council.

SAFETY & WELFARE

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Clare County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. They shall familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

SICK LEAVE

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

SUPERANNUATION

The terms of Local Government Superannuationapply.

Persons who become pensionable officers ...

Persons who become pensionable officers ...

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required ...

From 1 January 2019 onwards, public servants will pay an additional superannuation contribution (ASC). ASC confers no additional pension benefits and therefore should not be included in pension scheme benefit statements.

TAKING UP APPOINTMENT

The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

TRAVEL

When required to do so, holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Clare County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Clare County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

WORK BASE

Clare County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide themselves at their own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

BLENDED WORKING

There will be an opportunity to apply for Blended Working periodically in line with the PMDS process. Blended working applications are considered based on business needs and role suitability.

Blended working arrangements are not an entitlement, or term of employment. Such arrangements are not guaranteed on a permanent basis. Rotating blended working opportunities among employees may be required in order to support employee mobility and career development. While Clare County Council is committed to facilitating blended working where practical, not all roles will be suitable for blended working.

YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND APPEAL

The Council is committed to offering feedback to candidates who request it, and to dealing with such requests in a timely and efficient manner. In this regard, Clare County Council will automatically forward the marks awarded to you at interview and comments made by the Interview Board.

The Council will consider appeals in relation to eligibility, short-listing, and final decisions of interview boards. Such appeals must be made by candidates in writing within 7 working days of notification of the relevant decision. On receipt of appeal, the selection decisions will be re-visited, and the candidate will be informed of the outcome of this review.

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