The Role

Do you have passion and enthusiasm for the historic built environment? 

Do you want to work in one of London’s most exciting historic environments, leading and advising on listed buildings and conservation areas?

If you answered yes, we want to hear from you!

About the opportunity:
We are looking to recruit two heritage Conservation Officers (2-year fixed term contract), ideally working towards full membership of IHBC, to provide support, guidance, and advice to colleagues within the Planning Service and external stakeholders, including members of the public. 

You will be based within the Planning Policy and Design team, where there is a small team of specialists dealing with conservation and urban design matters. This role is primarily related to heritage conservation matters, specifically leading on the review of Conservation Area Appraisals, and is not expected to deal with or lead on urban design issues. 

Who we are:

The London Boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth have a strong reputation for protecting their historic environment. As a Conservation Officer, you will be one of Richmond’s and Wandsworth’s custodians of 85 conservation areas in Richmond and 45 conservation areas in Wandsworth. With hundreds of listed buildings (45 Grade I & over 100 Grade II*) as well as around 10,000 locally listed buildings and 20 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens across the two boroughs, you will have the opportunity to further develop a range of skills necessary for ensuring the best outcomes for the preservation and enhancement of the boroughs’ heritage assets. 

This is an excellent platform for you to progress a professional career in the historic environment. 

You will: 

• Assist with the delivery of high-quality conservation and urban design service in line with national and regional planning policy guidance. 
• Assist on the preparation and review of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Strategies / Plans.
• Be responsible for the application of conservation advice on a full range of development management case work.
• Assess, engage and set out clear and robust conservation guidance in an accurate and well written officer report based on an up to date and relevant evidence base. 

About you:

• You are a fully qualified heritage Conservation Officer or planner and working towards membership of IHBC or the RTPI or equivalent professional body.
• You have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Planning and Listed Building legislation, policy guidance and circulars, practice and case law.
• You have an ability to balance the demands of the development sector with the need to safeguard the boroughs’ heritage assets, while improving the urban realm.
• You have an ability to organise your own workload and work within agreed timeframes to maintain high quality decision making at speed and to achieve set deadlines and targets.    

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Andrea Kitzberger-Smith, Planning Policy and Design Team Manager on 020 8891 7364 or email a.kitzberger-smith@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

Benefits:

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

How to apply?

Please register, submit your CV and a supporting statement addressing how you meet the requirements of this role. If you are having difficulty in applying online, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0208 871 8825 or recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to see if we can offer alternative arrangements for you to apply.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: Sunday 7 February 2021

Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 8 February 2021

Interview Date(s): Week commencing 15 February or 22 February 2021

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams, including BAME.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

Attached documents

•  Job Profile - Conservation Officer