Conservation Officer - Council in Hackney

Spinwell is recruiting for a Conservation Officer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSERVATION OFFICER

• To be responsible for progressing all aspects of the team’s work programme including statutory planning casework, pre-application negotiations, urban design studies, conservation areas and historic building matters, housing regeneration, appeals and relevant policy development.
• To provide a consistent, timely and effective service regarding all design and conservation related matters to Development Management and ensure effective liaison with other officers on specific planning and design related projects.
• To contribute to the continued enhancement of the design quality and sustainability of new development in Hackney through effective negotiation and assisting in the team’s management of the Hackney Design Review Panel.
• To ensure that all tasks associated with the post are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and adopted local, regional and national planning policy and guidance.
• To ensure statutory and legal obligations are delivered and communicated in a customer focused manner, optimising available resources.
• To represent the Council as an expert spokesperson on issues related to conservation and design.
• To deputise for the Team Manager as required and to contribute to the efficient and effective performance management of the team.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE CONSERVATION OFFICER

• Degree level qualification in Architecture, Town Planning, Urban Design, Building Conservation and/or other relevant post graduate qualification.
• Eligibility for membership of relevant professional body (e.g. RIBA, RTPI, IHBC etc).
• A minimum of two years experience of working in either a Planning Service or related post in the Urban Design/Architecture/Conservation field.
• Thorough understanding of current issues, policies and developments at a local, regional and national level relating to the specific responsibilities of the post.
• In particular working knowledge of all matters relating to urban design and building conservation and related policy, legislation and procedural frameworks applicable to the council’s statutory and non-statutory planning functions.
• Able to understand technical issues relevant to complex planning applications and projects.
• Awareness and understanding of current planning issues as they relate to inner urban areas and their implications for new design, landscape and public realm design.
• Thorough working knowledge of architectural history, building construction and restoration, urban design and sustainability principles.
• Experience of negotiating on complex planning applications to secure high quality design outcomes.
• Clear understanding of appeals and prosecution processes within the planning context.
• Ability to lead and undertake project management with proven experience of project management techniques.
• Ability to read plans and drawings, to analyse and interpret technical urban design and conservation documents/statements submitted with planning applications.
• Excellent written skills with the ability to write clear and concise letters, reports and policy documents.
• Ability to deal with enquiries and give advice relating to urban design and/or building conservation.
• Excellent verbal skills with the ability to prepare and give effective presentations as well as to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to work on projects both individually and as part of a wider team.
• Ability to advise and guide other members of the team and to delegate work and take responsibility for ensuring its accurate and timely completion.
• A working knowledge of IT systems relevant to the Service.
• A working knowledge of VuCity or similar is highly desirable.
• Understanding of the needs of the customer and the ability to ensure their real and stated needs are taken into account in the delivery of products and services.

If you are a Conservation Officer, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!

We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.