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- Tasks: Conserve and enhance Norwich's historic buildings while shaping exciting development projects.
- Company: Join Norwich City Council, a leader in preserving architectural heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be a custodian of history and contribute to the city's unique character.
- Qualifications: Degree in building conservation and knowledge of current legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 39152 £ per year.
Norwich City Council is seeking a Conservation and Design Officer. This position is full-time (37 hours per week) and fixed term for 1 year, covering maternity leave. The role is based at Norwich City Hall, with hybrid working options available.
About Us
Norwich is considered to be one of the most complete Medieval Cities in the United Kingdom, boasting a wealth of fine buildings that represent a millennium of architectural achievement. The historic buildings frame some of the most interesting streets, squares, and parks in the country. Being one of its custodians represents a unique and rewarding responsibility.
You will join our specialist team of buildings conservation and urban design officers who are passionate about creating and conserving high-quality buildings and spaces. Your main roles will focus on conserving, and where possible, enhancing the historic built environment of Norwich, as well as shaping the design of development projects that affect heritage assets in the City through sound negotiation and good advice.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Provide building conservation and urban design expertise to conserve and enhance the quality of the built environment through development management, capital improvement projects, the development of planning policy, investigation and enforcement against breaches of planning control, and saving heritage at risk.
- Act as a development management case officer for listed building consent applications, including dealing with pre-application negotiations, determining applications under delegated powers, writing and presenting reports for committee, discharging planning conditions, and managing planning performance agreements.
- Prepare evidence and act as the Council’s expert witness in connection with planning appeals, whether dealt with by written representation or at hearings.
- Investigate and take enforcement action against breaches of planning control in relation to listed buildings and conservation areas.
- Protect heritage assets at risk through development management, enforcement, and conservation projects.
- Undertake site inspections in all weather conditions, including negotiating steps, ladders, and rough terrain.
- Lead on work priorities set by the Conservation and Design Team.
What You Will Need
- Degree level qualification or higher in building conservation.
- Full, affiliate, or supporter membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
- Excellent knowledge and experience of current conservation legislation, policy, and best practice.
- Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to built heritage.
Right To Work
Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Interview Format
All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members. (Please note: If offered an interview, you may be required to complete a short test).
To apply and view the full job description and person specification, please visit our website: Conservation & Design Officer – Recruitment | Norwich City Council. Applications will close at midnight on Friday 22nd May 2026.
Norwich City Council: Conservation and Design Officer in London employer: The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Contact Detail:
The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Norwich City Council: Conservation and Design Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Norwich City Council and its values. Research their recent projects and initiatives in conservation and design. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experience with conservation legislation and your passion for preserving heritage. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across in the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you're engaged and have done your homework. Ask about their current challenges in conservation or how they envision the future of urban design in Norwich.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Norwich City Council: Conservation and Design Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for building conservation and urban design shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving Norwich's rich heritage and how your skills can contribute to that mission.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in conservation legislation and planning policy. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Keep your writing clear and to the point, especially when discussing your qualifications and experiences. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to the full job description and person specification.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current conservation legislation and best practices. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past roles will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare to demonstrate your ability to write detailed comments on planning applications. You might even want to bring along a sample of your written work to highlight your skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Given that site inspections are part of the job, think about how you would handle various scenarios you might encounter. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating and problem-solving in challenging environments.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s priorities and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.