Principal Conservation and Design Officer

Are you an experienced conservation and design or historic built environment professional looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and forward-thinking local authority?

West Berkshire Council is seeking a skilled Principal Conservation and Design Officer to join our Place Team, to deliver high-quality conservation and design services.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference and contribute to the enhancement of our beautiful borough, which is home to 1,900 listed buildings, 53 conservation areas and a registered battlefield.

The Role

As the Principal Conservation and Design Officer, you will provide expert Conservation advice to colleagues, in particular Development Management Planning officers, and play a key role in:

• Leading and managing the conservation and design team, providing guidance and support to ensure the effective delivery of services.
• Advising on planning applications and appeals, providing expert advice on conservation areas, listed buildings, and other heritage assets.
• Working with community groups to deliver Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.
• Undertake the Local Listing process for locally significant heritage assets
• Preparing and reviewing design related guidance and policies
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including developers, architects, and local community groups.

In addition to the above, you will also have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that involve the enhancement and regeneration of our historic environment. You will be part of the friendly and high performing Place Team, which comprises other experts including archaeologists, ecologists and minerals and waste professionals.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Degree in an appropriate discipline
• 3 years relevant post qualification experience
• Extensive knowledge and experience in conservation and design, ideally within a local authority context.
• Experience of building conservation and design issues in a planning context - planning applications, listed building consents.
• Experience of preparing Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload, ensuring deadlines are met.

If you are passionate about conserving and enhancing our built heritage and are looking for a rewarding role within a supportive and collaborative environment, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Why work for West Berkshire Council?

West Berkshire Council is a great place to work, offering a range of employment benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• One paid professional membership.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years' service.
• Access to a wide range of relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• A range of local discounts.
• And much more!

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Elise Kinderman on 01635 519814 or email [email protected].

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.