Conservation Officer

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is based in the heart of Warwickshire, in one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. The Council provides public services to residents, businesses, and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work, and visit. Our people are our superpower, and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays. Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role). Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.
• Lifestyle: Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses. Eye test voucher scheme. Everyone Active Gym Membership discount.
• Professional Development: Training and Development opportunities. Payment of one professional subscription fee.
• Financial Planning: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future. Access to free Will writing services. Employee Assistance Programme. Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc. Free town centre parking.

What To Expect in the Role:

This new position will join the existing team of Conservation Officers, Urban Designers, and Forestry and Landscape Officers within the Development Delivery Department of the Council, providing expert conservation and heritage advice to support the delivery of high-quality and sympathetic development, from pre-application to post-application stages. You will work with the Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement teams to inform decision making across the Council’s built environment, comprising over 3,300 listed buildings and 75 Conservation Areas. You will play an active role in negotiations on heritage impact for development proposals at all scales, including major applications and proposed works to listed buildings. You will support colleagues on key conservation projects, such as revising the District’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents. You will also be instrumental in supporting our Enforcement Team, providing expert knowledge to deliver the continued protection of the District’s heritage assets.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist conservation and heritage advice across the Council’s Development service, including Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and undertake negotiations on heritage impact.
• Manage and determine a personal caseload of Listed Building Consent applications.
• Support colleagues in the production of Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents.
• Advise Enforcement Officers on harm associated with unauthorised works to listed buildings.
• Provide both written and oral expert evidence on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for planning appeals or prosecutions.

What You’ll Need:

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Historic Environment/ Building/ Architectural Conservation, or relevant subject.
• Full Member Accredited (or working towards) of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, or chartership of other appropriate professional body.
• Good knowledge and experience of current conservation legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Experience of effective stakeholder engagement and/or providing detailed advice to members, officers, developers, and the public on built heritage matters.
• Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to built heritage.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Alex Folliss, Design, Landscape & Conservation Team Leader. Applications will close at midnight on Friday 11th September 2026. Interviews will be held week beginning 21st September 2026. The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best.