Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer: Job description

A conservation officer or professional advises on and promotes the conservation of the historic environment and, in particular, its long-term care, preservation and enhancement. Much of their work is with listed buildings or buildings within conservation areas, so the conservation officer role has many similarities with that of a historic buildings inspector in central government - the two often work together.

Conservation professionals also often deal with buildings and places not controlled through listing, and advise on where these or other policy measures or controls might be put in place to secure conservation to appropriate standards.

Their roles include helping to protect and enhance all forms of buildings including churches, windmills, lighthouses and residential properties. They report and advise on buildings, structures and areas of special historic, architectural or artistic interest.

They guide new developments in order to maintain the distinctive character of an area; up to a third of planning applications submitted involve conservation issues. They may also be involved in regeneration projects that have community, economic and environmental benefits.

Job titles vary and professionals may also be known as historic environment or building conservation professionals or specialists.

Typical work activities

Tasks vary depending on the employing organisation and type of role, but typically involve:

• visiting sites, inspecting and surveying historic sites and buildings;
• assessing and recommending buildings and areas for conservation and producing area appraisals and schedules of work;
• representing conservation issues to planning and development policymakers both locally and nationally;
• advising on planning applications and guiding new developments that affect the repair or alteration of historic buildings, areas and sites;
• getting involved in regeneration projects that have heritage, community, economic and environmental benefits;
• working alongside heritage and conservation groups, as well as local and national government agencies to develop policies and strategies on building conservation;
• canvassing public opinion and dealing with public enquiries, providing information as required;
• providing advice and consultation to residents, landowners, councils and other bodies, which can be in the form of formal reports, writing leaflets, arranging displays and giving talks;
• planning and supervising long-term environmental projects;
• giving advice and preparing reports as required on the condition, future prospect and potential of sites or buildings;
• estimating restoration and conservation costs;
• finding suppliers and craftspeople who have the skills and materials required to carry out work in keeping with the age of the building;
• sourcing and applying for grants to help fund conservation work;
• ensuring that all work complies with internationally accepted conservation standards and national legislation and policy, including health and safety guidelines;
• assisting with enforcement action to protect threatened buildings or conservation areas.