The role
As one of our specialist advisors for protected sites, you will play a pivotal role in advancing both UK and global ambitions to protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and sea for nature by 2030.
You will provide technical programme steer on implementing the Welsh Government’s 30 by 30 framework by embedding protected sites policy across NRW’s ecosystem programmes and ways of working. This includes translating government policies and legislation into practical, effective solutions and supporting their successful delivery on the ground.
The role will focus on improving internal processes, developing clear technical advice, providing expert guidance, and working with software to maintain and enhance Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar Sites, National Nature Reserves (NNRs), and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
You’ll work closely with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, including habitat, species, geologists, freshwater, and marine specialists, operational delivery teams, government officials and sector representatives. This is a dynamic, cross-functional role that requires strong expertise in protected site designation and management, as well as the ability to integrate insights using technology and software to support NRW’s ambitions for nature’s recovery.
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 Neil.Parker@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams
About us
We are committed to creating a future where nature and people thrive together. Our Biodiversity Policy and Strategy team sits within the newly formed Integrated Approaches for Nature, Climate and People Group, driving the delivery of our Corporate Plan through innovative environmental planning.
By embedding biodiversity into every stage of decision-making, we aim to foster sustainable development that benefits both the environment and communities. Join us and be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in environmental stewardship.
What you will do
- Prepare technical assessments, drawing on a range of complex information and data sources.
- Manage the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, statutory advice and guidance documents. Manage the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working.
- Liaise with external stakeholders such as Welsh Government, sector representatives and partners to ensure the timely and effective delivery of project, policy or strategy obligations.
- Advise on evidence gaps and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
- Support engagement with sectors, partners, WG, Environmental NGO's and other Environment bodies in the UK; and be the lead point of contact for customer queries.
- Maintain knowledge of the assigned Biodiversity and Ecosystems agendas identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the affected sectors.
- Contribute to stabilising and enhancing our NRW’s Protected Sites Database through working with ICT and software development teams.
- Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
- Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Sgwrs priorities and annual work plan.
- 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
- Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
- Knowledge of: Welsh, UK legislation and international conventions and legislation related to protected sites. Welsh & UK Governments’ & global policy drivers in biodiversity and protected sites; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
- Experience of technical analysis and interpretation of a range of complex environmental information and data sources; analysing large data sets.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of the range or partners and stakeholders involved in protected sites in Wales.
- Working with Welsh Government, across the Biodiversity and Ecosystems sectors and other land management and environment organisations.
- Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and qualifications.
- You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
Welsh Language Level requirements:
- Essential: Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)
Welsh language levels
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.
Benefits
This role will offer a range of benefits, including:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
- generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
- commitment to professional development
- health and wellbeing benefits and support
- weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose
See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.
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.
