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, local government pension, flexible working, and discounts on various products.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- 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 role sits alongside other Design and Heritage Officers as part of our Specialist Services team and works alongside other specialists including our Landscape and Arboricultural team and Ecology team.
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 19th June 2026
Interview date: w/c 6th July 2026
How to apply:
- Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
- 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.
- Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the local community while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and tailored learning and development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The council's commitment to employee wellbeing, alongside its focus on preserving the rich heritage of East Suffolk, makes it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Design and Heritage team at East Suffolk Council. Understanding their projects and values will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for heritage! When you’re in the interview, share specific examples of how you've engaged with historic environments. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask insightful questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team’s current projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you stand out from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application process as outlined. It’s super important to stick to the guidelines, so your application doesn’t get overlooked.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Heritage Officer / Heritage Officer
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 we're looking for and how you can fit into our team. Make notes on key points that resonate with your experience!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Use the provided Supporting Statement template to showcase how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. We want to see your passion for heritage and how your skills align with our needs, so be specific!
Be Authentic and Personal:Let your personality shine through! We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the historic environment. Share your experiences and what drives you to apply for this position with us.
Double-Check Before Submitting:Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to review your application. Ensure everything is clear, concise, and free of typos. Remember, we want to see your best self, so make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on the history and significance of East Suffolk's heritage. Familiarise yourself with key sites, listed buildings, and conservation areas. This will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Understand the Role
Read through the job description thoroughly and understand the responsibilities of both the Assistant Heritage Officer and Heritage Officer roles. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these responsibilities, especially in relation to planning applications and conservation advice.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the Design and Heritage team and their projects. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role is the right fit for you. Ask about current challenges they face or upcoming projects.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for the historic built environment shine through. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to heritage conservation. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
