At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation efforts and provide expert advice on heritage matters in Nottingham.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a progressive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving Nottingham's unique historic character while supporting growth.
- Qualifications: Degree in conservation or related field and experience in built heritage conservation.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 44075 € per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday
Worker Type: Hybrid Worker
Salary: Starting Salary is £40,777 (year one), rising to £44,075 (year four) plus a £5,000 p/a market supplement (approved to August 2027) - pay award pending
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG
Working for Nottingham City Council has great benefits. As well as competitive pay, great leave entitlement and access to a generous pension scheme, we strive to create an innovative, inclusive and progressive work culture where everyone is supported to do and be their very best.
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Conservation Officer to provide expert advice and leadership on heritage and conservation matters within Nottingham City Council’s Planning Service. This is a key role in protecting and enhancing the city’s historic environment, ensuring that heritage considerations are fully integrated into planning decisions, regeneration projects, and policy development. You will work on a wide range of complex and high‑profile cases, including listed building consents, conservation area proposals, and enforcement matters involving heritage assets. The role involves close collaboration with developers, statutory consultees such as Historic England, and local communities to secure high‑quality, sustainable outcomes that respect Nottingham’s unique historic character while supporting growth and regeneration.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in conservation, planning, architecture, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in built heritage conservation within a planning context, including advising on planning applications and listed building consents.
- In‑depth knowledge of planning legislation, national and local policy, and guidance relating to the historic environment, along with a strong understanding of architectural history, building materials, and conservation techniques.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to interpret technical information, produce clear written reports, and present evidence at planning committees, appeals, or public inquiries.
- Strong organisational skills, the ability to manage a varied caseload, and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
- A commitment to delivering high‑quality services that put citizens first, alongside a strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in service delivery.
This post is covered by the statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) (English Language Requirement for public sector workers) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role.
Closing Date: 21st June 2026
Principal Place Leadership and Conservation Officer employer: Golearnleicestershire
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave entitlements and a robust pension scheme. Our innovative and inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, allowing employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the city's heritage and conservation efforts. Located in the heart of Nottingham, this role provides the unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the preservation of our historic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Place Leadership and Conservation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation and planning sectors, especially those connected to Nottingham City Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your passion for heritage and conservation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local heritage and conservation issues. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Nottingham's unique historic character while supporting growth. We want to see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work in built heritage conservation, whether it’s reports, case studies, or presentations. This will help us see your expertise in action and how you can add value to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and keen to join our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Place Leadership and Conservation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Conservation Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge in built heritage conservation and planning. Include specific examples of past projects or cases you've worked on that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the historic environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your reports and explanations are easy to read and straight to the point. We want to see your analytical skills shine through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Golearnleicestershire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and conservation techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in built heritage conservation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex concepts in a way that's easy to understand, as you'll need to present evidence at planning committees.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage a varied caseload. Share examples of how you've prioritised tasks and met deadlines in previous roles, showcasing your ability to handle multiple projects effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
This role values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Think of ways you've incorporated these principles into your work and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Nottingham City Council's inclusive culture.
