At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead heritage conservation efforts and shape planning policies in Tameside.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to preserving history and enhancing communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture that values creativity, wellbeing, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Tameside's heritage while driving sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Degree in conservation or related field and significant heritage advisory experience.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 50269 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade I. Scale 35 - £46,142 to Scale 39 - £50,269 with a professional bar at Scale 37 - £48,226
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: To be arranged
The Role
Be part of something exceptional. Shape the future by protecting the past. Tameside is on an exciting journey. Recently selected by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as one of the UK’s new “Heritage Places” and the first in Greater Manchester we are securing long‑term investment to unlock the full potential of our historic environment. We are now seeking a Principal Conservation Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering this ambitious vision: protecting and enhancing our rich heritage while supporting regeneration, growth and high‑quality placemaking across the borough. As our Principal Conservation Officer, you will lead on heritage and conservation matters across Tameside, ensuring that development respects local character and contributes positively to our places and communities.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialist heritage advice on planning applications, listed buildings and conservation areas
- Shape planning policy and develop strategies that safeguard and enhance the historic environment
- Lead a multidisciplinary team including urban design, landscape and arboriculture specialists
- Support major regeneration projects, ensuring heritage is central to sustainable growth
- Champion innovative reuse of heritage assets and address buildings at risk
- Represent Tameside in regional partnerships, including the Greater Manchester Conservation Officers Group
- Manage key initiatives such as conservation area programmes and shopfront improvement grants
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- The chance to work on major mixed‑use regeneration and heritage projects
- Strong commitment to professional development and career progression
- A supportive, innovative and forward‑thinking culture
- Opportunities to shape the borough for future generations
- A workplace that values wellbeing, creativity and inclusion
About You
We’re looking for a motivated and experienced heritage professional who can bring expertise, leadership and creativity to the role.
Essential Requirements
- A degree in conservation, planning, architecture, archaeology or a related field
- Significant experience providing heritage advice within planning and regeneration contexts
- Strong understanding of heritage legislation, policy and best practice
- Proven ability to assess historic buildings and advise on repair, design and impact
- Experience developing heritage strategies and delivering conservation‑led outcomes
- Excellent communication skills able to influence colleagues, stakeholders and communities
- Experience working collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners
Desirable (but not essential)
- Professional accreditation (IHBC, RTPI, RIBA, CIfA)
- Experience in local authority or city‑region environments
- Knowledge of Greater Manchester heritage networks
- Experience managing staff or projects and delivering grant programmes
- Familiarity with tools such as GIS or CAD
Make a Difference
This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to protect Tameside’s heritage while helping drive its future. If you are passionate about conservation and want to make a tangible impact on places and communities, we’d love to hear from you.
This post is a politically restricted post. This post is a designated customer‑facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English. If you have completed the GM Elevate programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Graham Holland on 07970456260 or graham.holland@tameside.gov.uk
Principal Conservation Officer employer: Tameside Council
Join Tameside Council as a Principal Conservation Officer and be part of an innovative team dedicated to preserving our rich heritage while driving sustainable growth. With a competitive salary, membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a strong commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Tameside's historic environment in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values creativity and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Conservation Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Tameside Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Tameside Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Conservation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Tameside Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tameside Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Tameside Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Tameside Council.
