Senior Building Conservation Advisor

Job Title:
Senior Building Conservation Advisor

Location:
National – Hybrid (Newcastle, York, Manchester, Birmingham, Swindon, Bristol, London, Portsmouth or Cambridge)

Hours:
Part-Time (21.6 hours per week)

Employment Type:
Permanent

Our client, a national public body responsible for championing and protecting England’s historic environment, is seeking a Senior Building Conservation Advisor to join their Technical Conservation team.

This is a specialist, part-time role within a highly respected centre of expertise in historic building conservation. The successful candidate will bring extensive applied conservation experience, with particular expertise in mortars, plasters, renders, and earthen materials. You will contribute to the development of evidence-based technical guidance, applied research, and specialist advice that supports the long‑term care and resilience of the historic built environment.

This is a unique opportunity to work within a small, high‑performing team alongside leading experts in the field, influencing conservation practice at a national level.

• Provide specialist technical advice on the conservation, repair, maintenance, and adaptation of historic buildings and structures.
• Deliver expert input on traditional building materials, particularly mortars, plasters, renders, and earthen materials.
• Diagnose building defects and recommend appropriate conservation interventions.
• Commission and manage applied research projects to inform best practice guidance.
• Develop and disseminate technical guidance, publications, and advisory content for professional and non‑professional audiences.
• Contribute to training programmes, conferences, and sector engagement activities.
• Collaborate with scientists, conservation professionals, and external partners to develop research methodologies and practical solutions.
• Support national advisory functions across a diverse portfolio of heritage assets.

The role involves regular travel across England, including overnight stays and site visits to exposed or complex environments. A full UK driving licence is required.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (or equivalent professional experience).
• Extensive post‑qualification experience in the conservation of historic buildings and structures.
• Demonstrable expertise in traditional building materials and systems, particularly mortars, plasters, renders, and earthen construction.
• Strong understanding of deterioration mechanisms and appropriate remedial interventions.
• Practical experience in historic building repair methods.
• Experience writing technical reports, guidance documents, and articles, including editing the work of others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Applications will be assessed against the person specification outlined above.

• Competitive salary (£41,761 – £48,200 pro rata, depending on location)
• Defined benefit pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Free entry to heritage sites nationwide
• Health and wellbeing support
• Access to professional development and sector‑leading expertise

Applications are submitted via a structured recruitment platform designed to reduce bias and support inclusive hiring. Candidates will complete competency‑based questions and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum six sides of A4) detailing qualifications, employment history (with reasons for leaving and any employment gaps), and professional achievements.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly reference the person specification within their application.

Our client is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented at this level. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.