VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS:
going from learning to earning with the IHBC…

Jobs in conservation careers are hugely varied, as are the routes to them! But do remember that you must decide for yourself how best to build skills that are marketable, and some of your best learning experiences can be achieved as a volunteer!

You can develop your conservation skills as a specialist interest within any discipline, from specific professional areas such as architecture, history, construction or archaeology, or in a trade or craft. Even the most recent disciplines or trades will have their own specific heritage and history.
There is no single way to develop the wide understanding of conservation encouraged by the IHBC, so be sure to plan the development of your own skills using our guidance. And if you know you want to specialise in conservation, whatever you do, the IHBC provides a home for you!

IHBC’s Jobs etc
Sign up free for IHBC’s Jobs etc
See more on Heritage Careers with more background on heritage careers HERE and see more on construction sector careers HERE

The IHBC is preparing a detailed web resource reflecting the wide range of career routes for our members, so for now we’re offering only a ‘taster’ set of links that you might like to explore.
Often you can find out lots of useful material on the websites of other professional and specialist bodies: architects & engineers; conservators, historians and archaeologists, as well as on the web sites of many trade, amenity and history organisations. The IHBC’s inter-disciplinary models can assist your exploration of those resources in line with your personal career preferences, and help you create your own ‘learning and earning strategy!’

ROUTES TO MEMBERSHIP

Many IHBC members have developed or refined their professional conservation skills in the planning sector, as the planning system is the primary regulator of change across the UK’s historic places.
Even then, most IHBC members come to us from careers outside planning areas, including building and construction, crafts and research. However all our members have found our guidance critical to developing their skills in line with our membership criteria. Wherever you start, provided you are interested in developing skills, knowledge and understanding in how we can best care for the past into the future, the IHBC has something to offer you.
SEE IHBC PARTNER LINKS
IHBC MEMBER DISCIPLINES
SPECIALISING IN CONSERVATION

Here are some links that may help you understand just one strand of early careers for some key IHBC members: conservation planning.
CONSERVATION PLANNING
CONSERVATION OFFICER
CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINING
CONSERVATION OFFICER CAREER
KATE’S PROFILE
KATIE’S PROFILE

However you develop your skills in conservation, volunteering is always a great way to learn more. As a charity, the IHBC encourages members, and indeed anyone who seeks conservation skills, to serve as a volunteer.
Volunteers offer services and time for a great public cause, but they also learn in creative ways no ordinary job can offer. Many employing bodies also have opportunities for volunteers to contribute so don’t be afraid to ask.
EMPLOYING BODIES

See our own Branches for opportunities, while many partner bodies offer chances to learn if requested.
SEE IHBC BRANCHES
SEE IHBC PARTNERS