Assistant Heritage Consultant or Heritage Consultant

York

We are seeking an Assistant Heritage Consultant or Heritage Consultant to join our North regional team, to be based in either our York or Manchester studio. We are looking for candidates who can work as part of a multidisciplinary team and undertake both independent and collaborative project work mostly within the region, although some longer distance travel and overnight stays may be occasionally necessary.

You will work under the supervision of a designated line manager within the Heritage Consultancy team. You will provide heritage advice and guidance in accordance with local, regional and national heritage planning policy, undertake the research and assessment of historic buildings and sites and compose rigorous analytical reports. You will manage small-scale projects independently and contribute to larger bids.

Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 300 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Winners of Architect Employer of the Year 2022.

Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.

It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.

 Our benefits package includes agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH) annual leave increasing with long service, life assurance, study sponsorship with paid study leave, sabbaticals, employee assistance programme, season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, virtual GP service, subscription fees, company day out, a volunteering scheme and enhanced learning & development opportunities.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the work of the regional and wider Heritage Consultancy team and practice
  • Provide expert, informed and practical advice relating to heritage assets for internal and external teams and stakeholders
  • Undertake desk-based and archival research at national, regional and local archives to support specific projects, including obtaining permissions to use historic images and documents
  • Carry out on-site, non-intrusive site investigations, including building recording, photographic survey, visual analysis and conservation area surveys
  • Have a clear, demonstrable understanding of and professional experience with current heritage planning legislation and policy including the National Planning Policy Framework and Historic England guidance, and of the listed building consent process
  • Prepare competent, clear, and well written documents, including:
  • Heritage Impact Assessments
  • RIBA Stage 1 & 2 Heritage Statements
  • Conservation Management Plans & Gazetteers
  • Conservation Area, Character Area, Townscape or other Appraisals & Management Plans
  • Historic Building Recording
  • Environmental Statement Chapters
  • Prepare project fee proposals and support in the production of larger bids
  • Help prepare and attend public engagement events

Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

  • At least two years of demonstrable experience of working as a successful heritage consultant in a commercial environment.
  • A Masters degree (or higher) in a heritage or architecture-related field.
  • Experience of carrying out archival research, comprehensive significance and impact assessments, producing accurate, well written documents, managing your own workload and running projects.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances and perform to stringent deadlines.
  • A can-do attitude and good time management
  • An ability to engage creatively and originally in all aspects of the job.

Desirable:

  • Experience of costing and budgeting for work
  • Membership(s) of professional institutions, such as the IHBC or CIfA
  • Experience in preparing Archaeological desk-based Assessments
  • A UK driving licence (for travel to remote sites)
  • Working knowledge of GIS software

This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.

Please submit a copy of your CV and portfolio by following the application workflow at the bottom of the page. Please include details of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom, as well as an available start date.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.

As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.

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