Senior Conservation Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Conservation Officer to join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead! This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £39,526 - £43,613 per annum. You would be part of a team of conservation officers who form part of the Planning Enforcement and Conservation Team, ensuring active management of the Historic Built Environment.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Conservation Officer to join our Conservation & Enforcement team. The borough is diverse in terms of its built environment. There are over 1500 individually listed buildings, 27 Conservation Areas, 9 Historic Parks and Gardens and 17 Ancient Monuments within the borough.

The role will focus on providing advice and guidance on heritage related matters to development management colleagues, agents, architects, and residents. This would include providing formal advice on development proposals affecting listed buildings, conservation areas and other heritage assets, alongside working with enforcement colleagues on heritage related enforcement matters. You will also contribute to carrying out conservation area appraisals and other project work and work closely with local heritage interest groups. The role would also include providing support and guidance to less experienced officers.

The Borough’s diversity and significant geographical area generate in excess of 250 formal planning applications each year and a significant number of informal pre‑application submissions. We have a variety of development proposals that are submitted ranging from town centre developments to rural sites and large estates.

Your role will involve:

• Protecting and conserving the historic built environment within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
• Providing advice and responding to consultations from Development Management for Listed Building Consents and other heritage related planning and pre‑planning applications and appeals.
• Producing clear reports and when required presenting at panel.
• Undertaking site visits both independently and with other planning colleagues.
• Preparing and reviewing policy and guidance including Conservation Area Appraisal and management plans.
• Monitoring the condition of the listed buildings in the Borough, including investigating unauthorised work alongside Planning Enforcement Officers.
• Providing specialist heritage advice to external parties, other Council departments, agencies, and Councillors when required.
• Advising owners on the appropriate practical repair, restoration and maintenance of listed buildings and traditionally built properties.

What we are looking for:

You will have an appropriate qualification in Building Conservation, Town and Country Planning or a related discipline. Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is necessary. Knowledge and experience of architectural history and traditional building materials, as well as appropriate and practical traditional methods of building construction, restoration and repair in relation to historic buildings. You will possess good communication skills (written and spoken) and the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations. You will also need to be able to carry out site visits independently and have access to a vehicle. We are open to flexible working however would expect office presence at the Town Hall in Maidenhead at least twice a week, alongside site visits.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work‑life balance. 2 days in office alongside site visits.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Alisha Lad, Principal Conservation Officer at alisha.lad@rbwm.gov.uk.