Position: Building Conservation and Urban Design Officer (Fixed Term, Maternity & Sickness Cover, 1 year, Grade 6)
Location: Norwich City Council.
Norwich is known for its historic buildings and public spaces, offering a unique opportunity to serve as a custodian of the city’s rich heritage.
Job Purpose
* Provide building conservation and urban design expertise to conserve and enhance the quality of the built environment through development management, capital improvement projects, policy development, investigation and enforcement, and heritage‑at‑risk projects.
* Deliver a customer‑focused service, ensuring excellent delivery, service improvement and efficiency.
* Contribute to an effective Planning and Regulatory service for the council.
Key service‑related accountabilities
* Collaborate to deliver team and corporate plans.
* Apply conservation and urban design expertise across planning and regulatory teams, encouraging knowledge sharing.
* Support the development and delivery of council strategies and policies.
* Work on cross‑cutting corporate issues and projects.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, good governance, inclusivity, innovation and high performance.
Responsibilities
* Develop urban design and building conservation policies, conservation area appraisals and thematic supplementary planning documents, consulting with the public.
* Promote high‑quality new development through development briefs.
* Act as a development management case officer for listed building consent applications, including pre‑application negotiations, delegated powers, report writing, condition discharge and performance agreement management.
* Advise on the acceptability of development proposals and negotiate improvements.
* Prepare evidence and serve as the council’s expert witness in planning appeals.
* Investigate and enforce breaches of planning control for listed buildings and conservation areas.
* Protect heritage assets through development management and enforcement.
* Provide training and mentorship to junior team members.
* Contribute to the team’s work programme and improve working methods.
* Stay current with legislation and best practice in building conservation and urban design.
* Work independently with minimal supervision.
* Respond to enquiries from councillors and the media.
* Undertake site inspections in all weather conditions.
* Contribute to change management and identify improvement opportunities.
* Deliver services in line with performance indicators and quality systems.
* Lead on priorities set by the Conservation and Design Team Leader.
* Identify revenue and business opportunities for the council.
* Comply with statutory legislation.
General requirements
* Flexibility in duties and willingness to perform additional duties within the scope of the grade.
* Adherence to council policies, procedures, legislation and professional ethics.
* Maintain high standards of customer care, equality and diversity policy, health and safety, learning and development.
* Observe the Public Sector Equality Duty.
* Safeguard and promote welfare of children and adults at risk.
* Comply with the council’s competency framework, code of conduct, constitution and procurement rules.
Skills Required
Essential Knowledge and Experience
* Negotiating improvements to development proposals and historic buildings.
* Providing expert advice on design and conservation issues.
* Working effectively in teams and independently.
* Experience in building conservation and urban design.
* Knowledge of the legislative and policy framework for conservation, planning and urban design.
* Project management principles and practice.
* Good practice in urban design and historic building conservation.
* Understanding of key organisations and professional disciplines in planning and conservation.
* Appreciation of good design for public spaces.
* Assessing impact of development proposals on historic assets.
* Knowledge of building construction, materials, and repair methods for historic fabric.
* Knowledge of related building disciplines and enforcement processes.
Essential Skills and Abilities
* Communicate complex design and conservation concepts and legislative requirements clearly.
* Act as the council’s expert witness at appeals, enquiries or hearings.
* Build constructive relationships with all customer groups.
* Analyse and evaluate design quality of existing and proposed buildings.
* Assess and prioritise repair, maintenance and enhancement proposals.
* Conduct research, analysis and record‑keeping.
* Deliver work to required standard within agreed timescales and budget.
* Use information and communication technology effectively.
* Negotiate assertively to secure best outcomes.
* Collaborate with colleagues and share information.
* Flexibility and work under own initiative.
* Positive, self‑starter attitude.
* Strong analytical, data collection and attention‑to‑detail skills.
* Demonstrate understanding of diversity and equality requirements.
* Excellent communication and organisational skills.
* Deliver high‑level customer service and improve customer experience.
* Model behaviours that encourage empowerment, initiative and transparency.
Educational Requirements
Essential
* Full, affiliate or supporter membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
* Degree‑level qualification or higher in building conservation.
Benefits
* All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases to 33 days per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time).
* Additional statutory day leave at Christmas.
* Occupational health and employee assistance support.
* Competitive pay and benefits package with Living Wage accreditation.
Equal Opportunities
The council is committed to an equality opportunity policy. Applications are considered on suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview if suitably qualified and/or experienced.
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