Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer : Entry requirements

Although this is a career open to all graduates, it would be useful to posses a degree/HND in one of the following subjects:

• archaeology;
• building conservation;
• heritage management;
• planning;
• building/construction;
• civil/structural engineering;
• surveying;
• architecture;
• landscape architecture/urban design.

It is important that the degree is accredited and meets the academic requirements of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)  as membership of the IHBC is usually a requirement for jobs in this field. The IHBC offers affiliate membership opportunities for full-time students.

Graduates with non-accredited or non-related degrees are required to undertake a conversion course to upgrade their academic qualifications. For those applying for full membership of the IHBC, completion of a suitable conservation course can count for up to three years of professional experience.

Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely, except through the planning technician route from where it is possible to move across into historic buildings inspector or conservation officer roles through experience and extra training.

Although not essential, a postgraduate qualification is becoming increasingly common.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• a strong interest in and knowledge of historic architecture, building methods and techniques;
• knowledge of relevant legislation relating to buildings and conservation;
• confidence working with measurements and budget calculations;
• excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of other professionals;
• a methodical approach, good analytical skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
• an eye for design, the ability to sketch designs and plans and an understanding of technical drawings;
• organisational, negotiation and project management skills;
• the ability to produce clear and concise reports;
• strong team-working skills;
• good IT skills.

A driving licence is usually required.

Most employers will look for candidates with experience so relevant work experience, gained through vacation or sandwich placements, is advantageous, and will be invaluable if the degree is not directly relevant.

Experience gained through voluntary work can also be very helpful, even though the vast majority of voluntary work experience opportunities are unpaid. A number of organisations welcome volunteers such as the National Trust  and a number of national amenity societies such as the Victorian Society  and the Ancient Monuments Society .

It is also advisable to attend training events run by specialist bodies working in this field such as the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)  and The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) , who run a number of short training courses and technical professional development events, with many open to non-members which could provide network-building opportunities for potential entrants.

Although places are strictly limited, there are a number of organisations that offer scholarships or fellowships, such as The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and The William Morris Craft Fellowship Trust . English Heritage  also offer a small number of work placements each year on their Historic Environment Traineeship scheme.

Not all new positions are advertised, and it is still common for jobs to be filled through speculative applications and word of mouth, especially with small organisations or in the voluntary sector.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.