At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert conservation advice and support heritage projects in a beautiful historical district.
- Company: Join Stratford-on-Avon District Council, located in Shakespeare's hometown.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving heritage while enjoying a scenic work environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Conservation or related field; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Great entry-level role with opportunities for career growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Conservation Officer role at Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
About Us
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.
Benefits
- 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.
- Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
- Eye test voucher scheme.
- Everyone Active Gym Membership discount.
- Training and Development opportunities.
- Payment of one professional subscription fee.
- 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. Bringing your technical knowledge and skills, 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. Where listed building applications do not require an associated planning application you will lead the determination process as Case Officer. 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.
- Lead negotiations on heritage impact for planning and listed building applications.
- Act as Case Officer for listed building applications without associated planning applications.
- Advise Enforcement Officers on harm associated with unauthorised works to listed buildings.
- Attend meetings, including Planning Committee to provide specialist advice regarding conservation and heritage matters.
- 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 Building Conservation, Architecture, or related discipline.
- Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation or 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 conservation and heritage.
- Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to conservation and heritage.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Alexander Folliss, Design, Landscape & Conservation Team Leader.
Applications will close at midnight on Monday 26th January 2026. Interviews will be held week beginning 9th February 2026.
Conservation Officer in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Officer in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Stratford-on-Avon District Council and its conservation projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to contribute your expertise to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s discussing your experience or explaining complex conservation concepts, being clear and confident will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Officer in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Conservation Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission in preserving the heritage of Stratford-on-Avon!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about conservation legislation and best practices. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so let us know how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current conservation legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific heritage assets in Stratford-on-Avon, as well as the Council's policies. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you would engage with various stakeholders, from developers to the public. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex conservation issues. This will demonstrate your effective communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your technical knowledge related to building conservation and architecture. Prepare to explain how you've applied this knowledge in real-world scenarios, especially in negotiations or case officer roles. This will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to provide both written and oral expert evidence, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and ensure you're comfortable discussing conservation topics.