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- Tasks: Lead conservation projects and shape heritage strategies for a historic borough.
- Company: Join a dynamic council dedicated to preserving architectural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible work-life balance and supportive relocation package available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of historic buildings and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in listed building appeals and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44265 - 49269 £ per year.
This role offers the chance to work 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). If you are seeking a senior position where your expertise can drive high-quality outcomes and influence the future of a diverse and historic borough, we would like to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Providing expert advice on formal and informal planning submissions, listed building applications, appeals, and enforcement matters.
- Leading on complex and sensitive listed building cases.
- Advising on design considerations for proposals affecting Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, and major schemes across the borough.
- Offering strategic guidance on the preservation of buildings of historic or architectural significance.
- Developing the Council's emerging Heritage Strategy, as well as guiding future policies, design codes and informal guidance.
- Leading and reviewing Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.
- Preparing bids for national heritage funding programmes (e.g. THI, HERS).
- Representing the Council at public meetings including Planning Committee, Town, Parish and Community Council meetings, and other user/stakeholder group meetings as required.
- Giving expert evidence on architectural and design matters at planning appeals and inquiries.
- Representing the Council at the Kent Conservation Officers Forum.
Qualifications
- A demonstrable track record handling listed building appeals.
- Strong experience negotiating complex listed building applications and enforcement matters.
- Excellent understanding of legislation and case law relating to listed buildings.
- Strong knowledge of architectural history, traditional construction, and repair methods.
- Confident IT user with familiarity across relevant systems.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Full driving licence and the ability to attend construction sites and access buildings safely.
- In addition, you may need to work from third‑party or partner sites from time to time.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Daniel Carter, Spatial Planning Manager, on 01233 330238.
Benefits
- Hybrid working – flexible ways of working to support work/life balance, both at home and in the office.
- Competitive remuneration package – excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi‑time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package, and opportunities for training and development.
- We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Salary range £44,265 - £49,269 per year
Senior Conservation Officer in Kent employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Conservation Officer in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to listed buildings and conservation areas. We want to see your skills in action, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend interviews, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs. We recommend rehearsing common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Conservation Officer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with listed buildings and conservation areas. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Expertise: In your application, emphasise your track record in handling complex listed building appeals and your understanding of relevant legislation. We’re looking for someone who can bring their knowledge to the table, so let us know what you’ve done in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the specific heritage assets and conservation areas in Ashford. Being able to discuss the significance of the 43 conservation areas and the listed buildings will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your track record with listed building appeals and complex applications. Have specific examples ready that highlight your negotiation skills and how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
✨Understand the Legislation
Brush up on the relevant legislation and case law regarding listed buildings. Being able to articulate your understanding of these legal frameworks will demonstrate your capability to provide expert advice effectively.
✨Engage with Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach developing a new Heritage Strategy. Be ready to share your ideas on guiding future policies and design codes, as this will show your strategic mindset and ability to influence decision-making.