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- Tasks: Lead conservation efforts and provide expert advice on historic environments in North Yorkshire.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire Council, dedicated to enhancing the region's natural and built environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage conservation while working in a collaborative and diverse team.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or architecture; experience in building conservation and effective communication skills required.
- Other info: Applications close on 21/09/2025; interviews scheduled for the week of 29/09/2025.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 47181 £ per year.
Overview
Salary: £42,839 to £47,181 per annum
Grade: L
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
This is a Hybrid role where you will be able to work from home and from one of our office bases (Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Skipton, Selby, Richmond, Harrogate). Please note that the advertised role covers the Scarborough and Whitby area within North Yorkshire; you will be expected to travel within the whole of North Yorkshire.
Our team…
The Council\’s Planning Services play a fundamental role in managing the natural and built environment, ensuring that the future development needs of the area can be accommodated to make it a better place in which to live and work.
The Environment & Design workstream comprises a multidisciplinary team of specialist disciplines, who support the council\’s role in place-shaping by working across the whole planning function. The specialisms include building conservation, archaeology, ecology, landscape and urban design.
Role summary
Role summary: Principal Conservation Officer will promote the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment ensuring that it is an integral part of the Council\’s growth and place making agenda.
You will provide specialist conservation officer advice to ensure statutory requirements and council objectives are met. This includes supporting the preparation of the council\’s Local Plan, giving advice on the impact of development proposals where this affects the historic environment and advising the internal colleagues and members of the public on heritage works.
North Yorkshire is a large area and you will need to be able to deal with a high and varied workload to meet the priorities of the Council.
Duties and responsibilities
- Provide advice on regeneration projects and initiatives related to the historic environment.
- Proactively secure the repair of historic buildings through negotiation and the use of legislative controls as required.
- Prepare and update heritage guidance and other advisory material for agents, developers, property owners, and the general public.
- Review Conservation Area Appraisals and consider whether new ones should be designated, preparing conservation area statements and leaflets.
- Compile and maintain a register of listed buildings at risk and taking action to secure their preservation, often in consultation with Historic England and other Council Departments. May involve preparation and serving of Statutory Notices.
- Managing and assisting in the development of conservation grant schemes and bids and dealing with applications from submission to final payment.
- Provide advice to the general public on building conservation matters. Build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, e.g. Historic England, Civic Societies and Parish Councils.
- Liaise with Historic England and the Department of Culture Media and Sport and put forward buildings for listing were justified by their architectural or historic interest and/or a perceived threat of demolition or inappropriate alteration.
- Build effective relationships and partnerships with external organisations including but not limited to Historic England, York Archaeological Trust, and local conservation groups.
Experience / Qualifications
- Degree level qualification in planning, architecture, or related discipline
- Evidence of continuous professional and personal development.
- Post Qualification experience in building conservation and planning
- Experience of negotiating with a range of bodies and individuals
- Experience of effective communication using a variety of methods tailored to a broad range of stakeholders and customers including experience of presenting evidence at examinations/inquiries and or reports to Members.
- Working across organisational boundaries, developing effective relationships in order to deliver Service projects and priorities.
- High level of knowledge and practical understanding of building conservation, including legislation, policy, and guidance.
- Detailed knowledge of architectural history, building design and traditional building construction.
Contact and Apply
For more information/informal discussion please contact Anne.Sims@northyorks.gov.uk (Environment and Design Manager – Heritage).
Applying is easy, simply click on apply now, register your details, remove your personal details from your CV and upload by midnight on 21/09/2025
Key Dates
- Closing Date: 21/09/2025
- Interviews: w/c 29/09/2025
Key Documents
- Job Description
- Total Rewards
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.
North Yorkshire Councils\’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other\’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Apply now
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Principal Conservation Officer employer: North Yorkshire County Council
Contact Detail:
North Yorkshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Conservation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific conservation challenges and opportunities in North Yorkshire. Understanding local heritage sites and recent developments will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of conservation and planning. Attend local events or join online forums related to building conservation to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with legislative controls and negotiation strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex conservation issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Council's current projects and priorities. Being knowledgeable about their ongoing initiatives will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Conservation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Principal Conservation Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your post-qualification experience in building conservation and planning. Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to manage a varied workload and engage with stakeholders.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, include instances where you've successfully communicated complex information to diverse audiences. Mention any experience presenting evidence at examinations or inquiries, as this will strengthen your application.
Personalise Your Application: Make sure to personalise your cover letter by addressing it to the hiring manager if possible. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation, and explain why you are particularly interested in contributing to the conservation efforts in North Yorkshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire County Council
✨Know Your Conservation Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and policies related to building conservation. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your work and how you can ensure compliance while promoting heritage preservation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Conservation Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated or presented information to different audiences in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience
Highlight your experience in managing conservation projects or grant schemes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Emphasise your ability to build effective relationships with organisations like Historic England and local conservation groups. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals in conservation efforts.
