Senior Conservation Officer

Senior Conservation Officer

Full-Time 36800 - 38400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wiltshire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Protect and enhance Wiltshire's built environment through conservation projects.
  • Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a friendly and collaborative workplace.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, hybrid arrangements, generous pension, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy a vibrant county with rich heritage and beautiful landscapes.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving heritage while working with local communities.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level conservation or planning qualification and strong technical knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 36800 - 38400 £ per year.

Our Development Management Service helps deliver sustainable, well-designed development that supports our communities, economy, and natural environment. As a Senior Conservation Officer, you will help protect and enhance the built environment by providing specialist professional input to a range of conservation projects. You will work closely with local communities and key partners, including Historic England, the National Amenity Societies, and town and parish councils, to guide and influence development that respects Wiltshire’s heritage.

This is a frontline role where you will determine listed building applications, act as a key consultee on major and complex proposals, and provide input to appeals and pre-application enquiries. You will use your professional judgement to balance competing considerations, apply legislation and policy, and give clear and confident advice. You will also support the team's development by mentoring less-experienced colleagues.

To succeed, you will hold a degree-level recognised conservation qualification or a degree-level recognised planning qualification. You will have strong technical knowledge and experience working with planning legislation and appeals. You will be an effective communicator who can explain complex issues with clarity, negotiate positive outcomes, and manage a varied workload while maintaining high standards. A full or associate accredited membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) or the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) is desirable.

Wiltshire Council is a friendly and collaborative place to work, with a strong “One Council” ethos. We offer flexible working, hybrid arrangements, modern offices, generous pension benefits and meaningful career development.

Wiltshire is a beautiful county, home to vibrant communities, historic towns and world-famous heritage sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury. The rich heritage, beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities make it a fantastic place to live and work. We border Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset. Almost half of our county is labelled as a Natural Landscape.

The council is committed to creating an environment of positive working relationships where everyone feels engaged, supported and able to thrive. We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect which is underpinned by our vision and framework.

We understand that AI tools can support candidates in preparing job applications. However, at Wiltshire Council we value authenticity and encourage applicants to ensure their submissions genuinely reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While we welcome applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship, we are not able to issue a defined certificate of sponsorship due to limitations in our sponsorship capacity. This role may be subject to certain successful security checks; please see the role description for more information. We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Please ensure to regularly check your spam/junk folder for any communication from us regarding your application status. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on any important updates or interview invitations.

Senior Conservation Officer employer: Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Council is an exceptional employer, fostering a friendly and collaborative work environment with a strong commitment to employee development and well-being. With flexible working arrangements, modern offices, and generous pension benefits, the council prioritises a culture of inclusion and respect, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about conservation to thrive in the beautiful and historic setting of Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council

Contact Details:

Wiltshire Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Conservation Officer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field, especially those connected to Wiltshire Council. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by researching the latest conservation projects in Wiltshire. Show us you’re passionate about protecting the built environment and can discuss how your skills align with our goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Conservation Officer, you’ll need to explain complex issues clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to articulate your thoughts.

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 shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Wiltshire Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Conservation Officer

Conservation Knowledge
Planning Legislation Expertise
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Project Management
Mentoring
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help you understand what we're looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or roles that demonstrate your technical knowledge in conservation and planning legislation. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in previous positions, so don't hold back!

Be Authentic:While we know AI tools can be helpful, we really value authenticity. Make sure your application reflects your genuine experiences and motivations. Let your personality shine through; we want to get to know the real you!

Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application is processed smoothly, please apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll stay updated on your application status and won’t miss any important communications from us.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council

Know Your Conservation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge about conservation legislation and planning policies. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or projects in Wiltshire that relate to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.

Communicate Clearly

As a Senior Conservation Officer, you'll need to explain complex issues simply. Practice articulating your thoughts on conservation challenges and solutions. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

This role involves working closely with local communities and partners. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to negotiate and influence positive outcomes while respecting diverse viewpoints.

Emphasise Mentorship Experience

Since mentoring less-experienced colleagues is part of the job, think of specific instances where you've guided others. Share how you’ve supported their development and what impact it had on the team, showcasing your leadership qualities.