Conservation Architect

Kent has a rich heritage of archaeological and historical remains, which the County Council gives high priority to conserving and making accessible. The geological diversity of the county, coupled with its proximity to the Continent and latterly to London, has left an incomparable resource for all periods. Much of the information relating to this resource (including the built historic environment) is recorded in the Kent Historic Environment Record. The County Council owns and manages eight historic windmills, which each have their own mill volunteers' group, and is currently reviewing the arrangements for managing the windmills. The historic environment of the county is under considerable pressure from both strategic infrastructure and general development.

The Heritage Conservation team (about 11 strong) is based within the Environment, Planning & Enforcement Division of the Directorate of Growth, Environment and Transport at Kent County Council. The team plays a strategic role in conserving and promoting the historic
environment of Kent, maintains the Historic Environment Record for the county and provides advice on archaeological matters to the County Council, Medway Council and District authorities in Kent.

The Heritage Conservation Strategy which sets out strategic aims and objectives for the group was adopted by the County Council in 2022 (Heritage Conservation Strategy - Kent County Council [ https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/service-specific-policies/environment-and-waste-policies/heritage-conservation-strategy ]).

We are seeking a highly motivated person with a passion for the built historic environment to join the Heritage Conservation team to develop policy and promote action for the protection and enhancement of Kent's built heritage.

Your primary responsibilities will be to advise the County Council on matters relating to the built historic environment (including planning applications and highways proposals); to develop policy and strategy for Kent's built historic environment (including cost recovery); and to supervise the conservation, management and promotion of the County Council's eight historic windmills including contributing to the development of potential new arrangements and opportunities for the windmills. You will be part of a busy team and work closely with colleagues in Heritage Conservation, Infrastructure and Planning.

You will have a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. architecture) or equivalent, and a relevant qualification in the conservation of historic buildings. Membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation would be welcome.

You will have excellent knowledge of the built historic environment, and relevant experience in the care, conservation and repair of historic buildings, including the care of windmills or similar structures. Good analytical and organisational skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, a disciplined approach to work and good written English are also required, together with the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and conflicting priorities.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.