Our client is a well-established practice that’s looking for an Assistant Heritage Consultants to join their East region teams (Colchester or Cambridge). This is an exciting opportunity to help manage change to significant places and to contribute to the conservation and enhancement of historic sites. They are looking for individuals who can work as part of the regional team and can support project work by carrying out research, site visits and report writing.
You will work under the supervision of a designated line manager within the Heritage Consultancy Team supporting all members of the regional team. You will undertake research and assessment of buildings and sites within the historic environment, contribute to and compose various reports such as Conservation Management Plans, Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, Heritage Statements and Heritage Impact Assessments. You will help prepare public engagement events and contribute to fee proposals and bids.
Good written and oral communication skills are vital, as is flexibility and the ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances. A can-do attitude and an ability to engage creatively and originally in all aspects of the job are essential. Work will be mostly within the region although some longer distance travel and overnight stays may be occasionally necessary.
Tasks:
- Undertake desk-based research and actively identify relevant archives (national, regional and local archives) for specific projects in order to carry out thorough archival research
- Carry out on-site, non-intrusive investigations of sites, including building recording and photographic survey of buildings and Conservation Areas
- Prepare histories of buildings and assessments of significance to inform advice relating to heritage assets to their internal architects and to external clients and stakeholders
- Obtaining permissions to use historic images
- Have an understanding of current legislation including the National Planning Policy Framework and current guidance from Historic England
- Help prepare competent, clear and well-written documents, or sections of documents, such as:
- Conservation Statements and Management Plans
- Gazetteers
- Archaeological Desk-based Assessments
- Heritage Impact Assessments
- Conservation Area, Character Area, Townscape or other Appraisals and Management Plans
- Historic Building Appraisals
- Environmental Statement Chapters
A keen interest in the historic environment, a willingness to learn, and a degree in a heritage, history, archaeology or buildings related subject are essential. Good organisation and time management are vital in this role. Experience in carrying out archival and desk-based research is important and previous experience of working as Assistant heritage consultant along with a Masters degree would be beneficial but not essential. The ability to prepare concise, well-written documents and working knowledge of GIS would be advantageous. A UK driving licence (for travel to remote sites) would be beneficial.