Principal Conservation Officer

Extensive experience of the conservation of the historic environment is essential, as is a degree or diploma in Historic Building Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Planning or a related discipline. You will be able to demonstrate experience of working with a wide range of assets and that you are comfortable providing advice on proposals that range from technical repairs to historic buildings to large scale housing developments. A clear understanding of the role of the council in the conservation of the historic environment is essential, which you should be able to demonstrate through your experience.

The role requires exceptional communication skills and proactive thinking. You will need to be able to demonstrate a proven track record of working successfully with a wide range of stakeholders to bring about schemes that protect and enhance the significance of the historic environment. A detailed and up-to-date understanding of legislation, policy, guidance and best practice in relation to planning and heritage protection are also required.

The council is based in Beverley, a beautiful market town which has a rich and varied history. It's sparkling architecture, crowned by two of the most impressive parish churches in the country, makes it an inspiring place to walk around and the drive into the town over the expansive Westwood Common never ceases to delight. The town's outstanding schools, attractive housing and vibrant town centre also make it an enticing place to live, as does its location within easy driving or commuting distance to the historic cities of York and Kingston Upon Hull. For those with interests in nature and the outdoors, the East Riding of Yorkshire coastline, rolling Yorkshire Wolds and the nature reserves at Flamborough Head and Spurn Point offer excellent opportunities for recreation.

East Riding of Yorkshire is an exciting and varied place to work, covering a large area that spans from the Vale of York in the west to the North Sea in the east, encompassing everything from thriving market towns to picturesque villages and hamlets. The council has a friendly, large and supportive conservation team and seeks an experienced, thoughtful and enthusiastic individual to help us conserve the area's rich and diverse heritage.

We are one of the largest local authorities in the country, with over one hundred conservation areas and nearly 2,500 listed buildings. These range from handsome stately homes set in sweeping designed landscapes, to well preserved medieval towns and villages, striking farm complexes and innovative twentieth century architecture. This means that you will be the custodian of an area rich in history.

You will have an interesting and varied workload, including dealing with consultations on a wide range of planning and Listed Building Consent applications. You will join the council at a time where we are looking to begin a program of updating our conservation area appraisals and you will lead their re-surveying, writing and adoption. This role offers an opportunity to represent the council and conservation team in high profile situations, including presenting to committees or acting as an expert witness at public inquiries.

Hours: 37 per week as part of a full-time, permanent contract. We operate a blended working approach and flexible working hours, with a mix of office and home working to suit the needs of the council and employees. We may also be able to offer a relocation package dependent upon circumstances.

If you feel that you meet the requirements of the role and are ready for a new and exciting challenge in a progressive and ambitious local authority, we would like to hear from you.

BENEFITS: local government pension scheme, paid professional subscriptions, support for CPD and other training opportunities together with discounted leisure centre membership.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is pursuing equality of opportunity in employment.