Careers advice

Although developing a career in historic building conservation can sometimes be challenging, it can lead to hugely satisfying and varied work. Many job roles rely on a particular skill set and often require specific training or qualifications.

The types of jobs available in historic building conservation can be broadly categorised as follows:

  • Specialists, e.g. building surveyors, architects, conservators, engineers, conservation officers, building archaeologists, consultants, caseworkers, estate/facilities managers etc.
  • Crafts, e.g. masons, carpenters, plasterers, roofers, bricklayers, thatchers, ironworkers, glaziers, timber framers etc.
  • Support, e.g. project management and administration, HR and finance, fundraising and grants, education and training, PR and Communications, Media and IT, visitor services, volunteer management etc.
  • Education, training and research, e.g. researchers and buildings/material scientists, lecturers, tutors on training courses, education staff at heritage sites etc.

If you are looking to build your career in the heritage sector, why not subscribe to our monthly careers bulletin, featuring vacancies and training opportunities from across the sector. The bulletin is one of the benefits of SPAB membership. You can see an example from November 2019 here.

Women in conservation: career advice from The SPAB on Vimeo.

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