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- Tasks: Lead heritage conservation projects and advise on planning applications.
- Company: Join Maidstone Borough Council, dedicated to enhancing local heritage and community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving our heritage while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in conservation or related field and relevant professional membership required.
- Other info: Exciting career growth with a focus on wellbeing and team success.
The predicted salary is between 44043 - 47999 £ per year.
Principal Conservation Officer
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced individual to join the Heritage, Landscape and Trees team as one of our heritage conservation specialists within the Development Management service at Maidstone Borough Council.
We are looking for someone who can work effectively with partners and customers and who enjoys collaborating and negotiating on new development proposals. Your varied workload will include dealing with your own caseload of planning applications, advising and providing guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas relating to impacts and effects of new development, as well as offering advice relating to Urban Design and advising on repair and maintenance issues. As Principal Conservation Officer, you will also be responsible for the production of Conservation Area appraisals and management plans and contribute to Design Codes, local planning policy and corporate projects.
Base Pay
Salary: Grade 11 £44,043 – £47,999 pa plus up to £5,000 market supplement and essential car user allowance
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Contract: Permanent – Full time 37 hours
About Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy…
Benefits
- Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
- 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
- Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years’ LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave
- Additional 3 days’ leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New Year
- Free parking
- Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, and part time
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey to & from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand‑new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff benefits, including discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
- Professional fee payment, if required for the role
About You
As Principal Conservation Officer you will be a qualified heritage conservationist, with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Historic Building Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Urban Design or a related discipline, and have an established professional membership of IHBC, RIBA or RTPI. You will have extensive experience of specialist work in the historic environment, a full understanding of the local authority and UK planning context, and experience of developing heritage guidance and/or Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. Excellent communication skills and competence in preparing and presenting expert evidence at Committee meetings, Court hearings and/or public inquiries are essential. A full UK driving licence is essential, with the ability to travel across the borough to attend sites.
Selection Process
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Successful candidates will be invited to a job‑specific interview assessment, followed by an interview. As part of the interview process, you will be required to give a short presentation to the panel, using PowerPoint slides.
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
How to Apply
Please visit https://www.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs and complete the online application form or contact Anna Stevens, Landscapes Team Leader, at AnnaStevens@maidstone.gov.uk for further information.
Closing Date: 16th November 2025
Interview Date: w/c 24th November 2025
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Principal Conservation Officer employer: Maidstone Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Maidstone Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Conservation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Maidstone Borough Council and their projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll need to present during the interview, rehearse your PowerPoint slides and get comfortable explaining your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or professionals in the field. They can provide insights about the role and the council's culture, which can give you an edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Conservation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for heritage conservation shine through in your application. We want to see how motivated you are about the role and the impact you can make at Maidstone Borough Council.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with planning applications and conservation areas, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maidstone Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of heritage conservation, especially in relation to the local authority and UK planning context. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of Maidstone Borough Council's policies and recent projects to show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. Have specific examples ready that highlight your expertise and how you've successfully navigated challenges in the historic environment. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, remember to engage with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face. This not only shows your interest but also your collaborative spirit, which is key for this role.
✨Nail the Presentation
Since you'll need to give a short presentation using PowerPoint, practice beforehand. Make sure your slides are clear and visually appealing. Focus on delivering your message confidently and succinctly, as this will reflect your communication skills and professionalism.
