Conservation Officer / Senior Consveration Officer

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the historic environment? Great Yarmouth Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic and committed conservation professional to play a leading role in enhancing the Borough's rich and distinctive heritage.

The salary for this role starts at £38,150 - £42,123 at band 7 Conservation Officer level, progressing to £43,150 - £47,664 at band 8 Senior Conservation Officer level. In addition, to this salary is the potential for a market supplement of up to £3,500 per annum, which is reviewed annually. Eligibility for the market supplement is subject to candidates demonstrating the appropriate level of experience and the ability to undertake the responsibilities of the post at that level.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Planning Team as part of a Council delivering on its regeneration ambitions. The Council is actively exploring options for the restoration of the Grade II* Listed Winter Gardens, demonstrating our commitment to preserving and celebrating one of the Borough's most important heritage assets.

Great Yarmouth boasts a remarkably diverse historic environment that plays a vital role in shaping the area's identity and supporting its tourism and leisure economy. The Borough contains:

• More than 400 Listed Buildings
• 14 Scheduled Monuments
• 18 Conservation Areas
• One Registered Park and Garden

The Council is one of the first local authorities in the country to adopt a Borough-wide Design Code. Alongside the recent adoption of a new Local Plan, this provides an exciting environment in which to influence both heritage conservation and high-quality placemaking.

As part of our team, you will undertake a varied and rewarding workload, including:

• Assessing planning applications and providing specialist advice on impacts to Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and other heritage assets
• Advising property owners, developers and stakeholders on repair, conservation and maintenance matters
• Leading the preparation of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans
• Providing guidance on urban design and placemaking
• Informing the direction of local planning policy
• Supporting the delivery of key corporate and regeneration projects across the Borough
• Representing the Council at meetings, hearings, inquiries and other public forums where required

We are looking for an experienced and motivated heritage professional with a strong understanding of conservation practices and the national planning system.

Suitable candidates will have:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in Historic Building Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Urban Design or a related discipline
• Experience in preparing heritage guidance, supporting or leading on Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience preparing and presenting expert evidence at Planning Committees, public inquiries, hearings or court proceedings.

At Senior Conservation Officer (Band 8) level, you will have at least five years' experience working within the historic environment, ideally in a local authority or comparable setting. You will also have a professional membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or a closely related professional body.

We also welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates with less experience who wish to be considered for appointment at Conservation Officer (Band 7) level. We are committed to supporting professional development and progression within the role.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has the goal to achieve excellence for the Borough. We don’t just say we are ambitious; we mean it. We are always looking at the ways in which we can improve and be the best that we can, providing the best for the people who live, work, visit and operate businesses in the Borough.

We have big plans for the future and massive opportunities ahead. We are one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country, Great Yarmouth is England’s offshore energy hub and Norfolk’s biggest seaside resort at the edge of the Broads National Park. The challenges we face in the borough are wide, but our commitment to achieving more has never been so focused.

We know that our team members are our most valuable asset, working hard to achieve our short and long term goals. Find out more about the people who work with us, and if you are as ambitious as we are, apply now and be part of our team.

We offer a range of exciting benefits as an employer and are committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and the services we provide.

There is more information on the Jobs page of the Great Yarmouth Borough Website, with details of how to apply and the recruitment process. You will also be able to find more details regarding DBS checks (if relevant for the job role), Right to Work checks, along with details of our values and behaviours, agile working and our Privacy Notice.