Senior Conservation Officer in Maidenhead

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Conservation Officer to join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead! This is a full‑time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £39,526 – £43,613 per annum. You will be part of a team of conservation officers in the Planning Enforcement and Conservation Team, ensuring active management of the Historic Built Environment.

About Us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council is a unitary authority that takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM offers large opportunities due to its proximity to London and expanding business sectors and is a major cultural and tourism area, which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse. Given our royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us, and we continue to rise to the challenge. The borough has over 1,500 individually listed buildings, 27 Conservation Areas, 9 Historic Parks and Gardens and 17 Ancient Monuments.

Role: In conjunction with the Principal Conservation Officer, the Senior Conservation Officer will provide advice and guidance on heritage‑related matters to development management colleagues, agents, architects and residents. Responsibilities include giving formal advice on development proposals affecting listed buildings, conservation areas and other heritage assets, and working with enforcement colleagues on heritage‑related enforcement matters. You will also contribute to carrying out conservation area appraisals and other project work and work closely with local heritage interest groups. Providing support and guidance to less experienced officers will also be part of the role. The borough’s diverse and significant geographical area generates over 250 formal planning applications each year, together with many informal pre‑application submissions.

Your Responsibilities:

• Protect and conserve the historic built environment within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
• Provide advice and respond to consultations from Development Management for Listed Building Consents and other heritage‑related planning and pre‑planning applications and appeals.
• Produce clear reports and, when required, present at panel meetings.
• Undertake site visits both independently and with other planning colleagues.
• Prepare and review policy and guidance including Conservation Area Appraisals and management plans.
• Monitor the condition of the listed buildings in the borough, including investigating unauthorised work alongside Planning Enforcement Officers.
• Provide specialist heritage advice to external parties, other council departments, agencies and councillors when required.
• Advise owners on the appropriate practical repair, restoration and maintenance of listed buildings and traditionally built properties.

Qualifications:

You have an appropriate qualification in Building Conservation, Town and Country Planning or a related discipline. Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is necessary. You also possess knowledge and experience of architectural history and traditional building materials, as well as appropriate and practical traditional methods of building construction, restoration and repair in relation to historic buildings. You have good communication skills, both written and spoken, and can respond confidently in a variety of situations. You can carry out site visits independently and have access to a vehicle. The role allows flexible working; however, office presence at the Town Hall in Maidenhead is expected at least twice a week, alongside site visits.

What We Offer:

• 32 days annual leave
• Flexible working, including a hybrid pattern; 2 days in office alongside site visits.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme, including life cover (3 times the annual salary) and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all and believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.