Experienced (senior) structural engineer

About Churches in Groningen

For more than 55 years, Groninger Kerken has been a leading organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural and religious heritage in the province of Groningen. Currently, our holdings include 103 churches, 63 cemeteries, and several towers and parsonages. Our goal is to preserve this heritage and increase public interest in it.

Conservation Team

The Conservation Team plays a crucial role in achieving our mission. In addition to management and preservation, we work on repurposing and restoration projects. Issues such as earthquake damage and sustainability make our work both challenging and meaningful.

Purpose of the position

As a structural engineer, you are responsible for the substantive, technical, and financial oversight of repurposing and restoration projects, from the initial phase through to completion. You stay abreast of social developments, respond to current issues, and maintain a broad network with government agencies, specialists, and the more than 600 volunteers who support our organization in many ways. You safeguard the cultural-historical value of our properties and translate this into feasible, sustainable solutions within current laws and regulations. You maintain an overview and communicate clearly with all parties involved.

You will work closely with your colleagues in the Conservation Department and maintain frequent contact with colleagues from teams such as Communications & PR, Education, and the Volunteer Coordinator. As part of your duties, you will regularly communicate with contractors, architects, and local governments. 

Key Responsibilities

1) Project Management - Restoration & Repurposing

• Initiating plans for restoration and repurposing projects.
  
• Assessing and analyzing the condition of buildings and developing a vision for alternative or additional uses.
  
• Managing external parties (architects, contractors, specialists, and consultants).
  
• Securing grants and funding to finance projects.
  
• Overseeing projects in terms of content, implementation, scheduling, and finances.

2) Regulations & Heritage Legislation

• Providing advice and coordination during the permitting process and consulting with historic preservation committees and government agencies (Wabo, Heritage Act, Environment Act).
  
• Review plans against the guidelines of the RCE, the Cultural Heritage Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and local heritage ordinances.
  

3) Communication & Coordination

• Advise the executive director on policies regarding conservation and use. Share knowledge with external partners such as government agencies, civil society organizations, foundations, and church congregations.
  
• Represent the organization in dealings with heritage authorities and architects.
  
• Clearly document decisions and procedures, ensuring transparency for grant providers.
  
• Networking at gatherings and events. 
  

4) Quality & Knowledge Assurance

• Ensuring traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and the preservation of historic buildings.
  
• Internal sharing of professional knowledge regarding materials, construction phases, and restoration principles.
  
• Identifying trends in heritage conservation and advising on their application in ongoing projects.

Profile & Skills

Education

• A completed bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture, preferably supplemented by a specialization in restoration or heritage (e.g., a post-bachelor’s program in Restoration).
  

Experience

• Extensive relevant work experience, preferably in historic preservation or restoration.
  

Knowledge

• Historic preservation laws, traditional construction techniques, and historic materials.
  
• An interest in cultural history, architecture (and its history), heritage management, and contemporary architecture.
  

Skills & Personality

• Independent, proactive, and decisive.
  
• An eye for detail and aesthetics, combined with an appreciation for the social value of heritage.
  
• Strong communication skills; switches effortlessly between technical jargon and public-facing communication.
  

Software

• Familiarity with drafting, inspection, and long-term maintenance planning software is a plus.

Work Environment

• A compact organization with short lines of communication and direct accountability.
  
• A high degree of autonomy and plenty of room to contribute your own ideas.
  
• Opportunity to serve on external committees or advisory boards.
  

We offer

• A unique workspace in one of our churches, specifically the Remonstrant Church in downtown Groningen.
  
• The employment contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension to a permanent position. The position is classified in pay scale J-K of the Housing Services Collective Bargaining Agreement; therefore, depending on your experience and qualifications, your salary will range from €4,633 to a maximum of €6,890 gross per month on a full-time basis (36 hours).
  
• Excellent benefits package in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Housing Services, including a generous travel allowance.
  
• A professional, collaborative work environment that fosters motivation and inspiration, where you can make a significant contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage in the province of Groningen.
  
• A versatile role that offers opportunities for initiative and creativity within a dynamic and socially responsible organization.

Apply

Are you a passionate architect who wants to help preserve our beautiful churches, and do you have experience overseeing architectural preservation, repurposing, and restoration projects? Do you have an enthusiastic and proactive attitude? Would you like to use your experience and knowledge to help preserve and, where appropriate, repurpose our buildings? Then we’re looking for you!

Interested?

Please send your cover letter and resume to Margreet Eriks, Executive Secretary, at eriks@groningerkerken.nl by Sunday, November 9, at the latest. If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact her. 

The interviews will take place on:

Round¹: Monday, November 17, 2025

Round²: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 

For more information about the job description, please contact Christiaan Velvis, architectural project manager

E velvis@groningerkerken.nl T 050 312 35 09

Groninger Kerken aims to reflect society. Diversity in experiences, backgrounds, and talents enriches our organization. We encourage you to apply.