At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect and enhance Bath's unique heritage while working with a passionate team.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives and preserving history.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to community and environmental challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage conservation in a world-class historic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject and experience in heritage conservation.
The predicted salary is between 38510 - 38510 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
About the Role
We have the following position available:
- Fixed Term Contract - 2 years
Bath’s international significance is recognised through its dual World Heritage Site designation, extensive conservation area, and exceptional concentration of historic buildings. Beyond the City of Bath, the wider Bath and North East Somerset area contains a rich and diverse historic environment, including locally distinctive vernacular architecture, nationally important archaeology, and significant industrial and coal‑mining heritage.
Across the district there are:
- over 6,000 listed buildings (approximately 3% Grade I, 10% Grade II* and 87% Grade II);
- 35 conservation areas;
- 16 registered historic parks and gardens;
- a wide range of undesignated local heritage assets.
To help protect, manage, and enhance our exceptional historic environment, we are seeking experienced historic built environment professionals to join our specialist team on fixed-term contracts of up to two years. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of a unique and valued heritage asset while working alongside a dedicated team of experts.
Please note: these roles are offered on a career-graded basis. The grade appointed will reflect the successful candidate's qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience.
- Grade 7 – Conservation Officer Level 1 (RP067)-£35,570 to £38,510 per annum
- Grade 8 – Conservation Officer Level 2 (RP068)-£39,481 to £42,123 per annum
The team and work you will do:
You will work within a well‑established, multidisciplinary team of conservation and other specialist colleagues. The team undertakes a wide and rewarding range of work, including:
- managing, assessing, and recommending decisions on listed building consent and planning applications;
- advising on development proposals affecting heritage assets;
- guiding new development and capital projects with historic environment implications;
- conservation area designation, review, and appraisal;
- work on heritage at risk;
- contributing to Local Plan policy development and site allocations.
There is also a particular opportunity to support Council‑led projects, as the Council owns a substantial number of listed buildings across Bath and has responsibility for a wide range of functions within this uniquely sensitive historic environment.
About you
You will:
- hold a degree in a relevant subject;
- be a member of, or working towards membership of, the IHBC and ideally RTPI;
- have a demonstrable track record in heritage conservation, the planning process, and achieving high‑quality outcomes;
- possess a strong understanding of national and local historic environment policy and legislation;
- have previous local government experience.
Why join us?
We are a positive, supportive, and collaborative team, committed to delivering excellent outcomes for both heritage and communities. You will have the opportunity to work in a world‑class historic environment, contribute to addressing major challenges such as climate change and retrofit in historic buildings, and help shape the future of one of the UK’s most significant places.
If you are forward‑thinking, ambitious, and motivated to make a real difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.
We support flexible working with the opportunity to move between the award-winning, modern Civic Centre in Keynsham which will be your main office base, and other Council locations in Bath and Midsomer Norton as well as some homeworking.
Interviews and information
We aim to hold all interviews for this position face-to-face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidate and panel members. If you require further information or want an informal chat about the role, please contact Deputy Head of Planning, Paula Freeland or Principal Conservation Officer, Jayne Boldy by e-mail at paula_freeland@bathnes.gov.uk, jayne_boldy@bathnes.gov.uk.
Interview date: TBC
Please no agencies.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants. Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
About Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Conservation Officer in Keynsham employer: Bath and North East Somerset Council
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us at the Keynsham Recycling Hub, where you can make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying a great work/life balance.
Contact Details:
Bath and North East Somerset Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Officer in Keynsham
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Bath and North East Somerset Council through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Officer in Keynsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Bath and North East Somerset Council. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Bath and North East Somerset Council. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath and North East Somerset Council
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
