Conservation Officer
South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park is a stunning landscape that sits in a beautiful part of Southern England. It is a vibrant and exciting place to work, not least as it lies in a region of substantial urban spread with high levels of economic activity which creates pressures on the National Park. Our role is to achieve the best balance between environmental, social and economic outcomes in order to conserve and enhance this man-made landscape.
The South Downs National Park contains 167 conservation areas, over 5000 listed properties and over 600 ancient monuments, highlighting the important role that the historic environment has in contributing to the exceptional architectural and townscape character of the National Park.
This is one of two roles which provides specialist guidance and advice on built heritage, from domestic scale detail to large and complex development schemes within rural and some urban contexts, including Petersfield and Lewes. You will also help review existing conservation areas and create new ones where required.
As a National Park Authority, we need to ensure that future development in the park is managed sympathetically, and that the existing built heritage is preserved and enhanced.
The role of the National Park Conservation Officer is key to this process. You will be part of the specialist team of landscape, conservation and urban design officers who together ensure the delivery of high quality design and enhancement within the built and natural environment and the preservation and enhancement of the built heritage within the Park. This can be a challenging role but offers the opportunity to work on a unique and diverse range of projects and therefore needs someone with tenacity, diplomacy and enthusiasm as well as a strong work ethic to deliver positive outcomes.
If this is something that really interests you, and you know you can add value to the work of the team and meet the person specification; then please apply.
To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application referring to the person specification.
SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.
In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.
SDNPA Enhanced Benefits
- Flexible working
- Local government pension scheme
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
- 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty
Other organisations may call this role Conservation Planning Officer.
Closing Date: 27 April 2025
Interview Date: 12 May 2025
About South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a
special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park.
The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
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