At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation projects and drive sustainable design in Hackney's evolving landscape.
- Company: Join Connect2Hackney, a forward-thinking team dedicated to preserving heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to mentor future talent.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence major urban projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Hackney's heritage and modern design while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related field; experience in planning or conservation.
At Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney are looking for a passionate, forward-thinking Conservation & Design Officer to join our Planning and Building Control service. If you want to take a leading role in preserving our unique heritage while driving world-class, sustainable modern design, we want to hear from you!
The Role
As a Conservation & Design Officer, you will be at the heart of Hackney's evolving landscape. You will progress as you take on more complex applications, lead corporate initiatives, and mentor the next generation of planning talent. You will take a proactive lead on statutory planning casework, pre-application negotiations, and urban design studies. From influencing massive housing regeneration schemes to assisting with the prestigious Hackney Design Review Panel, your expertise will leave a lasting footprint on the borough.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on Complex Casework: Progress statutory planning applications, appeal cases, and pre-application negotiations regarding conservation and design matters.
- Collaborate & Influence: Act as a senior expert across the council, working closely with senior management, highways, housing, and developers to embed sustainable construction and high-quality design into policy and practice.
- Champion Heritage: Provide definitive technical guidance on Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, architectural history, and traditional construction methods.
- Lead & Mentor: Supervise up to 4 staff members or manage up to 2 team members, mentoring junior colleagues to help develop their technical and professional skills.
- Expert Voice: Represent the Council as an expert spokesperson and witness at public inquiries, examinations in public, and hearings.
Who We Are Looking For
You are a highly autonomous professional who possesses a thorough working knowledge of architectural history, urban design principles, and building conservation frameworks. You should bring:
- Education: A degree-level qualification in Architecture, Town Planning, Urban Design, Building Conservation, or a related postgraduate field.
- Professional Standings: Eligibility for membership in professional bodies like RIBA, RTPI, or IHBC.
- Experience: A minimum of two years working within a Planning Service or an interconnected urban design/architecture/conservation role.
- Skills: Incredible verbal and written communication skills. You must be able to confidently read complex plans, negotiate with stakeholders, and present technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Technical Savvy: Proficiency in relevant IT systems, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in VuCity or similar 3D digital modelling software.
Conservation and Design Officer in Hackney employer: Connect2Hackney
At Connect2Hackney, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the heart of Hackney. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, allowing you to lead impactful projects while mentoring the next generation of planning talent. With a commitment to preserving our unique heritage and driving modern design, we offer a rewarding environment where your expertise will shape the borough's future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation and Design Officer in Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the conservation and design field. Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for preserving heritage and driving sustainable design. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their projects and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s recent projects and initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate – you’re genuinely interested in Hackney’s evolving landscape and ready to take on complex casework.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Conservation & Design Officer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation and Design Officer in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for conservation and design shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Connect2Hackney, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning, urban design, or building conservation. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements, so customise it to fit the role!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Conservation & Design Officer role. Be sure to mention your technical expertise and how you can contribute to Hackney’s evolving landscape.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of architectural history and urban design principles. Familiarise yourself with Hackney's unique heritage and recent projects in the borough. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to preserving it while promoting sustainable modern design.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to handle complex casework and lead initiatives. Think about times when you've successfully negotiated with stakeholders or mentored junior colleagues, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since incredible verbal and written communication skills are a must, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your ideas or discuss plans, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Proactive and Engaging
During the interview, show your enthusiasm for the role by asking insightful questions about the council's current projects and future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you a chance to showcase your proactive approach to conservation and design.
