At a Glance
- Tasks: Conserve and enhance Norwich's historic buildings while shaping exciting development projects.
- Company: Join Norwich City Council, a passionate team dedicated to preserving architectural heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Face-to-face interviews ensure a personal touch in the hiring process.
- Why this job: Be a custodian of history in one of the UK's most complete Medieval cities.
- 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. This will be achieved 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 employer: The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Norwich City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of one of the UK's most historic cities. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to work in a hybrid environment, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to maintaining Norwich's architectural heritage. The role not only provides competitive remuneration but also allows for meaningful engagement with the community and the built environment.
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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Norwich City Council and its values. Research their recent projects and initiatives in conservation and urban design. This will help you tailor your conversations during networking or interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to conservation and urban design. Connect with professionals in the field on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to conservation legislation and best practices. Think about real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date – you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to work with a fantastic team at Norwich City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Norwich City Council: Conservation and Design Officer
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 and how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get to the heart of your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly and gives you access to all the information you need about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
✨Know Your Conservation Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current conservation legislation and best practices. Being able to discuss specific laws and policies during your interview will show that you're not just passionate about the role, but also knowledgeable and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas or negotiated in past positions. This could be through writing detailed reports or presenting findings, so have those experiences ready to share.
✨Understand Norwich's Heritage
Familiarise yourself with Norwich's unique architectural history and the specific challenges it faces. Being able to reference local buildings or projects during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since the interview may include a short test, think about practical scenarios you might face as a Conservation and Design Officer. Consider how you would approach a listed building consent application or deal with a planning enforcement issue, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
