At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation efforts and shape Nottingham's historic environment through innovative projects.
- 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 Nottingham's heritage while driving sustainable 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 (level one), rising to £44,075 (level four) plus a £5,000 p/a market supplement (approved to August 2027) - pay award pending
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG
We’ve got an exciting opportunity available for talented individuals to join our workforce. Working for Nottingham City Council has great benefits, including 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 Service:
Nottingham City Council's Development Management Service plays a key role in shaping one of the UK's largest and most historic Core Cities. The service is at the heart of delivering the Council's vision for Nottingham as a city that is thriving, green and ambitious.
About the Role:
This is an opportunity to play a leading role in managing and enhancing Nottingham's historic environment. As Principal Conservation Officer, you will be the Council's specialist heritage adviser, working on listed buildings, conservation areas, major development proposals, heritage-led regeneration projects and complex planning matters.
About You:
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in conservation, planning, architecture, heritage management, building surveying or a related discipline.
- Substantial experience of built heritage conservation within a planning, development management or related professional environment.
- In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, national planning policy and guidance relating to the historic environment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to assess significance, setting, harm and public benefits and develop practical solutions.
- A collaborative and proactive approach, with a passion for heritage and place-making.
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: Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 at Midnight. Interviews will be held: w/c 5th October 2026.
Principal Conservation Officer employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the council provides a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while contributing to the community's welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Conservation Officer
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Nottingham City Council who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Conservation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Nottingham City Council!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Nottingham City Council. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Nottingham City Council.
