Structural Conservation Senior Specialist

About the role

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is seeking a Structural Conservation Senior Specialist to lead independent technical reviews, validation and governance of structural assessments and intervention strategies for modern heritage buildings across the Emirate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical review, validation and quality assurance of structural assessments, material testing programmes, analytical models and conservation studies.
• Interpret structural behaviour of existing modern heritage buildings, considering material degradation, historic construction practices and incomplete documentation.
• Challenge consultant methodologies, assumptions and testing results to ensure reliable, proportionate and technically sound conclusions.
• Evaluate and validate repair, strengthening, retrofitting, restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive‑reuse strategies, ensuring minimal intervention and long‑term durability.
• Promote evidence‑based and performance‑based design approaches, including the use of ASCE 41 where appropriate.
• Balance structural safety requirements with preservation of authenticity, architectural character and historic urban fabric.
• Provide formal technical recommendations on structural submissions, reports, specifications and restoration drawings.
• Support portfolio management of modern heritage assets by identifying priorities, risks and feasibility considerations.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in structural engineering for heritage or historic environments.
• Strong knowledge of modern construction materials, degradation mechanisms and historic building practices.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical reviews and supervise structural interventions.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.

Required skills

• ASCE 41 performance‑based seismic design standard.
• Structural assessment and condition evaluation.
• Material testing and analytical modelling.
• Heritage conservation principles and intervention strategies.