Principal Conservation Officer

One of our local authority clients are currently recruiting for a Principal Conservation Officer. This is a temporary contract for 3 months with possible further extension based on budget and performance.

Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary

The post holder will manage an application/enforcement/conservation & design caseload (principally comprising non-major work for applications) including making recommendations and handling any appeals and giving compliance/pre-application and general planning advice in accordance with the Council’s corporate Core Principles, Key Aims, Service Plans, Financial Regulations and Standing Orders and agreed procedures. They will ensure the provision of a first-class service to customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Possess the necessary knowledge and experience to undertake the duties assigned to the post within a specialist area.
• Process a variety of applications together with giving specialist observations and pre-application advice. Undertake consultations, site visits, evaluation and negotiation in order to generate high quality recommendations.
• Undertake enforcement investigations, appeals and submissions under the Planning Acts, Orders and Regulations, including consultations, site visits, evaluation and negotiation with applicants/transgressors and other interested parties.
• Provide advice on possible breaches of planning control, including obtaining evidence, negotiation with interested parties, making recommendations for action, following up decisions on recommendations and instigating and effecting necessary legal proceedings in order to pursue breaches in planning controls.
• Prepare written documentation to a high standard, including complex reports and legal documentation.
• Prepare representations on behalf of the Council for appeals under the Planning Acts. To prepare such representations in compliance with the timetables required by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.
• Prepare papers necessary for the pursuit of prosecutions.  As a representative of the Council attend Court to give evidence.
• Provide expert support and advice and represent the Council as required.
• Participate in projects targeting local or national concern and manage, initiate and lead on the projects at PO1 and above.
• Work within changing targets and deadlines.

The above is a brief overview of the role, details and specification will be provided should you be successful. If interested in this position, please send your CV to Jahker Miah at Coyle Personnel Ltd.