Conservation Officer

**Why should I choose Somerset Council?**
Well, for a start, we’re a hugely ambitious council, committed to improving lives for the residents, communities and businesses of Somerset.
And that’s why we’re working so hard to build a sustainable organisation with a culture that rewards, values and recognises our staff, and gives everyone here the opportunity to grow and develop, personally and professionally.
If you’re looking for a place where you work truly matters - where YOU truly matter - we might be just right for you.
We also promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
**What will I be doing?**
You will support the Council’s delivery of the Development Management Service through the effective handling of planning and heritage casework, provide technical advice to customers and the Council in all aspects of the conservation of the historic environment, encompassing historic buildings and conservation areas, archaeology and the wider historic environment.
As a Conservation Officer your day-to-day work will involve:

- Providing specialist advice to professional colleagues, contributing to in house education and training events.
- Providing evidence for written representation appeals and attending hearings and public inquiries as the Council’s professional witness.

**What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?**
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

- Have a relevant degree or experience, with eligibility for Chartered Membership of the IHBC or RTPI.
- Have experience of dealing with all aspects of listed building consents in a local government planning environment.
- Have extensive knowledge of the overall planning process, policy, legislation, guidance, and regulation.
- Experience of discussing and explaining proposals with a wide variety of individuals and representative bodies e.g., Members, Parish Councils etc.
- Experience in the use of IT programmes, including Microsoft word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

**What will I be offered in return?**
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Staff discounts in gyms.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
- My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

**Anything else I should know?**
This role is based at the Mendip hub of Somerset Council offices in Shepton Mallet, although flexible in terms of office/ home working. There is an expectation to be working in the office at least one day per week and to carry out site visits on a regular basis.
The salary for this role is Grade 10, ranging from £32,909 - £37,261 per annum.

Job Reference: SCC04293

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £32,909.00-£37,261.00 per year