At a Glance
- Tasks: Support heritage conservation and provide advice on planning applications.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a difference in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and tailored learning opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth and access to various staff support networks.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team preserving East Suffolk's rich heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in historic environments and a passion for conservation.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 42839 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We have an opportunity to join our Design and Heritage team within the Planning and Building Control Service at either Assistant Heritage Officer or Heritage Officer level.
The East Suffolk district has a high quality historic and natural environment, with around 4,000 listed buildings, 53 Conservation Areas and 30 registered and locally listed parklands. A large part of the district is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The district has a hugely varied character which combines resorts, market towns, urban centres and many villages, all within a high-quality landscape setting that combines coast and countryside.
You will be joining an existing team of four dedicated Design and Heritage Officers, with backgrounds in the theory and practice of conservation, architecture, planning, urban design and landscape history. The team works closely with the Ecology and Landscape and Trees teams. Our experienced and well-resourced specialist teams provide a great opportunity for career learning and job development.
Heritage Officer (Band 6/7 - £35,412 to £42,839 per annum)
In this role you will work with the existing Heritage Officer and Senior Design and Heritage Officers to provide heritage advice to protect and promote the historic environment of East Suffolk. Your role will include commenting on development management applications but will also include so much more. You will contribute to Nationally Significant Infrastructure projects, commission Conservation Area reviews and appraisals and see them through to adoption, and work on a major review of Article 4 Directions and extend their use. You should have considerable experience of working in the historic environment and in particular with listed buildings and in Conservation Areas; a good theoretical, technical and practical knowledge of design and conservation of the built environment; and a good grounding in a wide range of planning/building control issues. You should be either an Associate or Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation– or at least an existing Affiliate.
Assistant Heritage Officer (Band 5 - £31,537 to £34,434 per annum)
At Assistant Heritage Officer level, you will support the existing Heritage Officer and Senior Design and Heritage Officers in the provision of heritage advice, including advising on the determination of planning applications and supporting the preparation of planning policy documents.
For both roles, you will have a passion for the historic built environment and display an independent and positive approach to safeguarding heritage across the district. You will be skilled at assessing development proposals and their impacts on heritage assets and providing technical and design advice to listed building occupiers and those in Conservation Areas.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in either of these roles, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, we want to hear from you and look forward to having the opportunity to consider your application.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
To find out more For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Robert Scrimgeour on (01394) 444610, or by emailing Robert.scrimgeour@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 12pm Friday 19 June 2026
Interview date: w/c 6 July 2026
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template. Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk County Council
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the local community while providing a supportive and collaborative work environment. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and tailored learning and development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers. The council's commitment to employee wellbeing, alongside access to various staff support networks and discounts on numerous products and services, makes it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the heritage and conservation field, especially those connected to East Suffolk Council. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show your passion for the historic built environment and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing the job. Make sure to tailor your supporting statement to highlight how your skills align with the requirements in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help us understand what East Suffolk Council is really looking for in a candidate and how we can tailor our application to match those needs.
Use the Supporting Statement Template:Make sure to fill out the Supporting Statement template provided. This is your chance to shine! Clearly show how your skills and experiences align with the criteria in the Person Specification. Stick to the format, as other formats won’t be accepted.
Be Specific and Relevant:When detailing your experience, be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to see how your background in heritage and conservation makes you a perfect fit for the team at East Suffolk Council.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with East Suffolk's historic environment, including its listed buildings and Conservation Areas. Being able to discuss specific examples during your interview will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in conservation and planning. Think of specific projects or situations where you assessed development proposals or provided technical advice. This will help demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
✨Connect with the Team
Research the Design and Heritage team and their recent projects. Mentioning how you can contribute to their ongoing work or suggesting ideas for future initiatives can highlight your enthusiasm and collaborative spirit.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the council's approach to heritage conservation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals and values.
