Principal Conservation Officer

For heritage professionals seeking a role that offers both significant responsibility and a rich tapestry of historical assets to protect, this opportunity within the East Riding of Yorkshire Local Authority presents a compelling career prospect. This position is ideally suited for an experienced and passionate individual eager to make a tangible impact on a diverse and extensive historic environment.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Exceptional Heritage Diversity: The East Riding of Yorkshire boasts a remarkable breadth of historical assets, from grand stately homes and designed landscapes to well-preserved medieval towns, innovative 20th-century architecture, and numerous conservation areas. This variety ensures a consistently engaging and challenging workload, providing ample opportunity for growth and skill development across a wide spectrum of heritage conservation.
• Strategic Influence and Project Ownership: Candidates will be integral to updating conservation area appraisals, taking ownership of re-surveying, writing, and adoption processes. Furthermore, there are opportunities to represent the council in high-profile situations, including presenting to committees and acting as an expert witness at public inquiries, offering significant professional visibility and influence.
• Supportive and Collaborative Environment: The role is within a friendly, large, and supportive conservation team. This collegial atmosphere is invaluable for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and tackling complex conservation challenges collaboratively.
• Professional Development and Experience: The extensive nature of the heritage assets and the varied workload provide an exceptional platform for honing expertise in technical repairs, large-scale developments, and policy implementation. This role is a clear pathway for individuals aiming to become recognized authorities in historic environment conservation.
• Attractive Location and Lifestyle: Based in the picturesque market town of Beverley, the role offers an enviable lifestyle. Beverley itself is steeped in history and architectural beauty, with excellent amenities, schools, and housing. The surrounding East Riding region provides diverse recreational opportunities, from coastal walks and rolling countryside to proximity to the historic cities of York and Kingston upon Hull.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: The council embraces a blended working approach, incorporating a mix of office and home working with flexible hours. This offers a healthy work-life balance and the ability to tailor working patterns to individual needs and business requirements.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Extensive Experience is Essential: This role requires a demonstrable and extensive background in the conservation of the historic environment. Candidates should be prepared to showcase a proven track record of managing a wide range of heritage assets and advising on diverse proposals.
• Specific Educational Background Required: A degree or diploma in Historic Building Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Planning, or a closely related discipline is a prerequisite for this position.
• Strong Communication and Stakeholder Management Skills: Success in this role hinges on exceptional communication skills and the ability to proactively engage with and influence a broad range of stakeholders. Candidates must be adept at fostering collaborative relationships to achieve positive heritage outcomes.
• In-depth Legislative and Policy Knowledge: A thorough and up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation, policy, guidance, and best practices in planning and heritage protection is critical. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate this knowledge through their experience and advice.
• Understanding of Local Authority Role: A clear comprehension of the specific functions and responsibilities of a local authority within the conservation of the historic environment is vital. This requires practical experience working within or closely with such bodies.

This position represents an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated heritage professional to contribute significantly to the preservation and enhancement of a truly remarkable historic landscape. If you possess the required experience, a passion for heritage, and the drive to excel in a dynamic local authority, this role could be the ideal next step in your career.