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Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Full-time, permanent
Essex-based, with UK travel
Experienced and trainee routes
The opportunity
Locker & Riley is a leading specialist in the inspection, conservation, manufacture and installation of historic and decorative plasterwork. We work on some of the UK’s most prestigious historic buildings, cultural venues, private residences and landmark developments.
As demand for specialist plaster ceiling inspections continues to grow, we are seeking experienced Plaster Ceiling Inspectors and enthusiastic Trainee Plaster Ceiling Inspectors to join our expanding inspection and heritage consultancy team. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career combining historic building conservation, practical investigation, technical reporting and traditional craft knowledge.
The role
Working alongside our experienced inspectors, designers, estimators and craftspeople, you will assist with or undertake detailed inspections of traditional and modern plaster ceiling systems.
- Inspect historic fibrous plaster, traditional lime plaster, GRG and plaster applied to expanded metal lath.
- Undertake inspections from both above and below ceilings where safe access is available.
- Identify visible defects, deterioration, movement and potential areas of concern.
- Record construction details, ceiling conditions and evidence of previous repairs.
- Produce clear photographic records, marked-up drawings and written inspection reports.
- Assist with recommendations for further investigation, monitoring, repair or conservation.
- Review historical information, drawings, specifications and previous survey records.
- Liaise professionally with clients, architects, conservation consultants, structural engineers and main contractors.
- Support access planning, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Travel to project sites throughout London and the UK.
Professional scope: All inspections must be undertaken within the individual inspector’s demonstrated competence. Structural, asbestos-related and other specialist concerns will be referred to appropriately qualified professionals.
Experienced inspector applicants
We welcome applications from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Historic plaster ceiling inspection and condition surveying.
- Fibrous plaster manufacture, installation or repair.
- Traditional lime plastering and conservation.
- Building conservation, architectural conservation, surveying or architectural technology.
- Inspection of theatres, listed buildings, historic interiors or public venues.
- Preparation of technical survey reports and repair recommendations.
- Relevant industry guidance, including ABTT Guidance Note 20 and Historic England guidance relating to fibrous plaster ceilings.
A practical understanding of how historic and decorative plaster ceilings were designed, manufactured, fixed and subsequently altered is particularly valuable.
Trainee inspector applicants
Previous inspection experience is not essential for the trainee position. We are interested in applicants who demonstrate curiosity, care, good judgement and a genuine interest in historic buildings and traditional materials.
- A degree or qualification in building conservation, architectural conservation, surveying, architectural technology, construction or a related subject.
- Practical experience in fibrous plaster, traditional plastering, decorative plasterwork or another heritage craft.
- Experience working with historic buildings, theatres, museums, galleries or listed properties.
- A strong interest in developing a specialist career in plaster ceiling inspection.
Trainees will follow a structured development programme involving supervised site experience, technical learning, report writing, practical craft familiarisation and progressive competency assessment. Responsibility will increase only as competence is demonstrated and formally reviewed.
Skills and personal qualities:
- Methodical, observant and attentive to detail.
- Genuinely interested in historic buildings and traditional craft skills.
- Confident working at height and within restricted roof or ceiling spaces, subject to training and safe access arrangements.
- Able to communicate technical observations clearly and objectively and produce accurate professional reports.
- Comfortable using digital photography, tablets and Microsoft Office.
- Able to interpret drawings and construction information.
- Professional when representing the company on prestigious and sensitive sites.
- Willing to travel and occasionally work outside normal hours where required by a project.
- Committed to health and safety, conservation ethics and continued professional development.
Knowledge of AutoCAD, Bluebeam or other drawing and document-mark-up software would be advantageous but is not essential. A full UK driving licence is desirable.
Training and career development
Depending upon experience, the successful candidate will receive development in:
- Historic and modern plaster ceiling construction.
- Fibrous plaster and traditional lime plaster technology.
- Inspection techniques and defect recognition.
- Safe access above and below ceilings.
- Photographic recording, drawing review and digital mark-up.
- Technical report writing and preparation of recommendations.
- Conservation principles, appropriate repair methods and relevant industry guidance.
- Client communication and professional conduct.
The role offers a structured route from trainee inspector through to competent inspector and, subject to experience and performance, senior or specialist inspection responsibilities.
Why join Locker & Riley?
You will join a specialist business with a strong reputation for craftsmanship, technical knowledge and the conservation of significant historic interiors. The role provides exposure to unusual and prestigious projects, supported by experienced plasterers, designers and conservation professionals.
- A permanent career within a highly specialised heritage sector.
- Structured training and supervised practical development.
- Opportunities to work on nationally important buildings.
- Support towards relevant professional development.
- A collaborative and knowledgeable working environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits appropriate to experience.
- The opportunity to help preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your relevant experience, qualifications and interest in historic plaster ceilings to: enquiries@lockerandriley.com
Locker & Riley Heritage Ltd
Please state whether you are applying for the Plaster Ceiling Inspector or Trainee Plaster Ceiling Inspector position. Applications are welcomed from experienced heritage professionals, skilled plasterers seeking to move into inspection work and graduates wishing to develop a specialist career in building conservation.
Locker & Riley is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Advert live until 27 September 2026
