The role
This is a 3-month opportunity for a registered PhD student to undertake research into improving Shellfish Water Protected Areas (SWPAs)
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has a remit to observe, evaluate and advise on the microbial standard set for SWPAs under the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017. Where that standard is not met, we must investigate and put measures in place to improve the SWPA.
The placement provides an opportunity to gain insight into the functioning of Natural Resources Wales and evidenced based decision making within the Welsh environment context. The researcher will work in an interesting and diverse team, and their contributions to tackling the nature and climate emergencies will be highly valued.
The researcher will be expected to work independently within parameters and guidelines provided by Natural Resources Wales. Working closely with a wide range of colleagues the successful candidate will build valuable working relationships, broaden their knowledge of this sector, and enhance their existing transferable skills.
You will join a team managing a diverse range of programmes and providing technical and advisory support across our Operational and Evidence, Policy, and Permitting directorates.
This is a fantastic opportunity to understand how research and evidence is used to inform decisions. With support from their NRW supervisor, the researcher will be expected to take responsibility for managing and delivery of work commitments during the placement period.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Eleanor Howlett at Eleanor.Howlett@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams
Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
What you will do
This project will draw together information from various sources such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water coastal modelling investigations, Food Standards Agency monitoring, and local NRW Environment Teams to put together evidence packs for each Shellfish Water Protected Area (SWPA).
The packs will need to show where evidence is available, highlight where further investigation is needed, document where measures have taken place and identify recommendations for further measures. You will
- Work across various NRW teams to identify and record relevant information to make the assessment. NRW will facilitate work with other organisations such as Welsh Government if required.
- Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
- Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) can only accept applications to the PhD student placement programme from registered students who are within their funded period. Before applying all applicants must:
- seek approval from their academic supervisor
- confirm the method of payment with their finance department
- confirmation they can take a study break for the duration of the placement
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
- Ability to understand catchment to coast investigations
- Ability to communicate across teams, to deliver project goals
Welsh Language Level requirements:
- Essential: A1 – Entry level
Please note if you do not meet the level A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Please keep reading
We’re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We are committed to equal opportunities and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.
We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.
We are a bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.
You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally. Applications are welcome from individuals who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time.
