conservation officer

This career-graded role offers the chance to broaden your conservation and heritage planning experience across a wide-ranging portfolio of projects involving historic buildings, conservation areas, and heritage assets. Ashford is home to 43 conservation areas and around 2,200 listed buildings, including 130 Grade II

• and 52 Grade I listed buildings. You will play a key role in ensuring that new development positively reflects this rich and distinctive heritage, helping to shape decision-making across the borough.
The post offers significant variety and challenges, with a high volume of complex and rewarding casework. You will also take a leading role in drafting and progressing a new Heritage Strategy as part of the emerging Local Plan, alongside reviewing and updating our Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans (CAAMPs). Whether you are already operating at an experienced level or are ready to take the next step in developing your specialist heritage expertise, this post provides a clear progression route and the opportunity to influence the future of a diverse and historic borough. Ashford Borough offers a wide range of opportunities within a rich and diverse historic landscape. The borough's extensive rural surroundings host a large number of highly attractive small historic settlements as well as the two major market towns of Ashford and Tenterden. All boast well-defined historic cores, each contributing to the distinctive character, identity, and visual quality of the area. The Council is looking for someone with a strong foundation in conservation or heritage planning who is keen to develop their skills further, or an experienced conservation officer ready to take on greater responsibility. You will be part of a supportive, collaborative Planning Service, helping to protect, enhance and shape Ashford's historic built environment while building your professional expertise. You will have a varied workload, with support and supervision appropriate to your level of experience, that will include:
• Provide expert advice on heritage, conservation and design matters across the planning process.
• Support the protection and enhancement of the borough's historic environment, including listed buildings and conservation areas.
• Contribute to the development of the Council's Heritage Strategy documents, planning policies, development briefs and guidance.
• Assist with Conservation Area Appraisals, Management Plans and heritage funding bids.
• Represent the Council at meetings, appeals and public inquiries, and engage with key stakeholders and professional networks.
  
  Are you motivated by the opportunity to develop your heritage skills and experience while making a meaningful contribution to the protection and enhancement of the historic environment?, You shall be expected to possess strong negotiation and design skills, with the ability to clearly articulate your view and to work pro-actively with a case officer(s) to generate consensus to ensure joined up decision making.
To thrive in this role, you will have a relevant undergraduate degree in a conservation or planning related subject and either established experience in heritage casework or the aptitude and commitment to continue developing your specialist conservation knowledge. In addition, you will need to have a full driving licence and the ability to attend construction sites and access buildings safely. Working from third-party or partner sites may be required from time to time.

In April 2028 Local government in Kent is moving to a new unitary council structure. If you join us now, you will be employed by Ashford Borough Council in the first instance, but staff are expected to transfer to the new organisation under TUPE arrangements in April 2028. This means your continuity of employment and existing terms and conditions will be protected. Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.