Historic Buildings Officer

The starting salary for this role is £42,958 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are seeking to appoint a Historic Buildings Officer, based within Surrey County Council’s Historic Environment and Planning Team at Woking. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a qualified heritage specialist to develop, grow and put into practice their skills in the assessment, understanding and management of historic buildings and conservation areas within the context of the planning process, working within a small supportive team of dedicated buildings specialists.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part time opportunities)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

As a Historic Buildings Officer, you will provide specialist conservation advice to a range of organisations and individuals, from the County Council’s own planning functions, other local authorities within Surrey, charitable trusts as well as directly to homeowners. No two days are the same, with in-depth research, engaging projects and challenging casework all part of the role.

You will be an experienced conservation and buildings specialist with a strong track record in delivering timely, efficient and pragmatic planning related services. You will be familiar with British architecture in general, and the architectural history of Surrey in particular, and have thorough knowledge of the investigation, assessment, understanding, conservation and management of historic buildings and conservation areas. A degree in a suitable heritage-related subject (such as history, architectural studies, historic building conservation, archaeology etc.) is required, as is experience in the provision of advice, guidance and expertise in the management of a wide range of historic building types, as well as conservation areas and designed landscapes. The post will also involve a significant degree of stakeholder engagement, ranging from the general public, through to fellow professionals and elected Members.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a demonstrable passion for and a developed level of experience in, advising and managing various aspects of the built historic environment.
• A broad and detailed knowledge of architecture, designed landscapes and archaeology, and a deep and extensive understanding of the planning process surrounding heritage management.
• Excellent IT skills and be confident at using Microsoft Office and GIS applications.
• Full UK driving licence and access to their own car.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

If you’d like to discuss the role prior to applying, please contact Roderick McDonald, Principal Historic Buildings Officer, at roderick.mcdonald@surrey.gov.uk or Tony Howe, Historic Environment Planning Manager, at tony.howe@surreycc.gov.uk

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 20/09/2026 with interviews planned to follow in the w/c 28/09/2026.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.