Conservation Officer Jobs

A Conservation Officer works within UK local authorities to protect and enhance the historic environment. They assess planning applications affecting listed buildings, conservation areas and heritage assets, ensuring development respects architectural character, heritage significance and statutory requirements. Conservation Officers provide expert advice, prepare guidance and support the long-term management of historic places.

This role requires strong knowledge of heritage legislation, conservation principles, architectural history and the impact of development on historic environments. Conservation Officers play a key role in safeguarding cultural heritage while supporting sustainable, well-designed development.

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Main Responsibilities

• Assess planning applications affecting listed buildings and conservation areas
• Provide expert conservation advice to planners, developers and architects
• Prepare conservation area appraisals, heritage guidance and technical reports
• Support enforcement and monitoring of heritage-related planning conditions
• Review development proposals for heritage impact and design quality
• Engage with communities, heritage groups and statutory consultees
• Represent the authority at committees, hearings and public events

Typical Employers

• Local authorities
• National parks
• Urban development corporations
• Heritage and conservation bodies

Salary Range

Conservation Officer salaries typically range from £38,000 to £50,000, depending on location and project scale.

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Progression Routes

• Heritage Officer
• Design & Conservation Officer
• Principal Urban Designer
• Head of Planning

Related Job Titles

• Heritage Officer
• Design & Conservation Officer
• Senior Urban Designer
• Urban Designer

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