Assistant Heritage Consultant

We are looking for a dedicated Assistant Heritage Consultant to join our Cambridge studio team. We are seeking candidates who can work as part of a regional team and support project work by carrying out research, site visits, and report writing. Work will be 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, supporting all members of your regional team. A keen interest in the historic environment, a willingness to learn, and a degree in a heritage, history, archaeology, or a buildings-related subject are essential; a Masters degree is preferred. Demonstrable experience in carrying out archival and desk-based research is important, and previous experience of working as an Assistant Heritage Consultant (or similar) is preferred.

The ability to prepare concise, well-written documents and a good knowledge of architectural vocabulary is vital, as is the ability to flexibly adapt to a variety of circumstances and perform to stringent deadlines. A can-do attitude, good organisation, independent time management, and an ability to engage creatively and originally in all aspects of the role are essential.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the work of the regional and wider Heritage Consultancy team.
• Undertake rigorous 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 investigations of sites, including building recording and photographic survey of buildings and conservation areas.
• Prepare histories of buildings, site descriptions, and assessments of significance to inform advice relating to heritage assets for internal and external teams and stakeholders.
• Have demonstrable understanding of current heritage planning legislation including the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant Historic England guidance.
• Help prepare competent, clear, and concise documents, including:
  • Heritage Impact Assessments
  • RIBA Stage 1 & 2 Heritage Statements
  • Conservation Management Plans & Gazetteers
  • Archaeological desk-based assessments
  • Conservation area, character area, townscape or other appraisals & management plans
  • Historic Building Recording
  • Environmental Statement chapters
• Help prepare public engagement events and contribute to the preparation of project bids as needed.
• Working knowledge of GIS software would be advantageous. A UK driving licence (for travel to remote sites) would also be beneficial.

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.

Application