Conservation Officer in Cheltenham

Are you passionate about protecting historic buildings and preserving local heritage? Our client has an exciting Conservation Officer opportunity!

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £32,597 - £34,434 (pay award pending wef 1 April 2026)

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Closing Date: 13 September 2026

Work for an award-winning organisation! They are an ambitious and forward-thinking local authority, committed to making the local area a better place to live and work, enabling communities and businesses to thrive whilst protecting local heritage and character. They aim to be an employer of choice where everyone is treated fairly and feels valued and respected, providing a stimulating and rewarding working environment that encourages people to work together, offers opportunities to reach their full potential, and supports a healthy work/life balance. Working at our client's organisation means being part of a committed, professional and friendly team.

Conservation Officer – The Role

You will manage a varied caseload of listed building consent applications, providing specialist heritage advice to colleagues, applicants and stakeholders. Your day-to-day work will include validating applications, conducting site inspections, negotiating with developers and their agents, consulting with specialists, and preparing detailed reports. You will present applications to Planning Committee, represent the organisation at appeals, and advise the public on conservation matters. You will work proactively to identify heritage issues and develop practical solutions.

Conservation Officer – Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of listed building consent applications and pre-applications, including validation, site inspections, negotiations, consultations and report preparation
• Present applications to Planning Committee and provide heritage advice to elected members and officers on planning matters affecting heritage assets
• Represent the organisation at appeal hearings and public inquiries on heritage matters, and provide expert witness evidence when required
• Act as a specialist consultant to development management colleagues on planning applications that may impact heritage assets
• Advise architects, agents, professionals and the public on conservation areas, listed buildings and the planning process
• Contribute to conservation projects including conservation area appraisals and planning policy documents

Conservation Officer – You

• Degree in Building Conservation or a closely related discipline
• Professional membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (desirable)
• Strong knowledge of architectural history, traditional building materials, and restoration methods for historic buildings
• Thorough understanding of listed building legislation, conservation policy, guidance and current heritage management issues
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, including with the public, colleagues, members and professionals, with strong presentation abilities
• Customer-focused, proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain clear, methodical records
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with the ability to understand scaled plans and drawings
• A creative problem-solver with a flexible approach and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service

Benefits

• An excellent pension scheme, with eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (pro rata), rising to 31 days (pro rata) after five years (excluding Bank Holidays)
• A flexible and agile working environment, with opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and flexibility in working hours
• A comprehensive programme of learning and development
• Two days (pro rata) paid time off for volunteering
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
• Access to free counselling services
• Access to a Healthcare Cashback Plan upon successful completion of probation
• A cycle to work scheme
• Low-cost town centre parking
• A commitment to employee wellbeing