Structural Conservation Senior Specialist

About the role

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi seeks a Structural Conservation Senior Specialist to lead technical reviews, validation and governance of structural assessments for modern heritage buildings across the Emirate. The role ensures interventions are safe, minimally invasive and aligned with conservation principles.

Key responsibilities

• Lead independent technical review, validation and quality assurance of structural assessments, material testing programmes, analytical models and conservation studies.
• Assess and interpret structural behaviour of existing modern heritage buildings, considering material degradation, historic construction practices and building pathology.
• Review and challenge consultant methodologies, testing results and analytical outputs to ensure reliable, proportionate recommendations.
• Validate repair, strengthening, retrofitting and adaptive‑reuse strategies, ensuring compatibility with existing materials and long‑term durability.
• Promote evidence‑based and performance‑based design approaches, including the use of ASCE 41 where appropriate.
• Provide formal technical recommendations on reports, specifications, method statements and restoration drawings.
• Support portfolio management by identifying priorities, risks, feasibility, cost implications and procurement needs.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with extensive experience in structural engineering for modern heritage assets.
• Proven ability to lead technical reviews and supervise structural interventions.
• Strong understanding of heritage conservation principles and regulatory frameworks.

Required skills

• Structural assessment and analysis of heritage buildings
• Material testing and degradation evaluation
• Analytical modelling (including ASCE 41)
• Design of repair, strengthening and retrofitting solutions
• Technical review and quality assurance
• Heritage conservation methodology