Team / Directorate: Renewable Energy Advice Team / Evidence, Policy and Permitting

Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments (pro rata for part-time applicants)

Contract type: Permanent

Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part-time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term-time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)

Interview Date: 30/09/2025

Post number: 203995 (For office use: GGL / ENV / GRJ / TTJ)

The role

As Lead Specialist Advisor for Habitat Regulation and Water Framework Directive Assessments, you'll be a strategic and knowledgeable environmental professional to lead the development and delivery of policies, strategies, and programmes related to environmental assessments—specifically Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.

In this role, you'll play a central part in ensuring legislation is applied consistently and effectively to support policy ambitions around major infrastructure consenting, including in the fast-growing marine and offshore renewable energy sectors. You'll stay at the forefront of changes in policy, legislation, technology, and market developments—translating these into practical advice for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Welsh Government, and the wider marine sector.

Collaboration is key. You'll work closely with colleagues across NRW's Marine Programme, including the Offshore Renewable Energy Programme, and contribute your expertise to cross-functional projects. You'll also build and maintain strong relationships with external partners including Welsh Government officials, sector representatives, consultants, and other nature conservation bodies.

This role reports to the Renewable Energy Advice Team Leader and offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the future of Wales's marine environment.

NRW supports flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home, and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed upon appointment. Any regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

For informal enquiries, please contact Rebecca Tilson at Rebecca.Tillson@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

About us

This role is within the Renewable Energy Advice Team within the Sustainable Places Land and Sea Group. You will collaborate with colleagues from other teams and Directorates across NRW, contributing to NRW's Marine Programme including the Offshore Renewable Energy Programme. External partnerships will include colleagues from other Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, Welsh Government officials, sector representatives, and their consultants.

What you will do

• Lead and project manage complex issues requiring NRW policies, strategies, plans, and programmes related to environmental assessments such as HRA and WFD assessments, ensuring consistent understanding and application by staff to support policy ambitions.
• Manage the preparation of materials to inform policy, advice, and guidance documents for NRW, Welsh Government, and other partners. Develop procedures, tools, and guidance, and lead the delivery of new working methods.
• Provide advice to Welsh Government and other bodies in Wales and the UK, reviewing and advising on policies, plans, and strategies.
• Advise on evidence needs, commission evidence, and manage evidence projects in line with the evidence programme.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of environmental assessments, identifying implications of policy, legislative, technological, and market changes for Welsh Government, NRW, and the marine sector.
• Contribute to task and finish groups to prepare defined products as required.
• Oversee engagement with Welsh Government on policy areas related to environmental assessment derogation.
• Support staff development by applying technical, legislative, and regulatory knowledge.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver a Personal Development Plan.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities.
• Uphold NRW's Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand its operational implications.
• Engage in personal development through the Sgwrs plan.
• Perform any other duties appropriate to the role's grade.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills

Use the STAR method to demonstrate:

• Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to Marine Planning, environmental assessments (HRA & WFD), and policy drivers in Wales and the UK.
• Understanding of partners and stakeholders involved in infrastructure development in Wales and the UK.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners to achieve organizational outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of the HRA and WFD assessment processes and related drivers and barriers.
• Ability to work at pace and a proven track record of delivery.
• Membership or working towards membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience representing organizations on high-profile and contentious issues.
• Willingness to share expertise to support colleagues.

Welsh language level requirements

• Desirable: Level A1—basic understanding and use of simple Welsh phrases and greetings.

NRW offers learning options and support to meet these minimal requirements during employment.

Benefits

This role offers benefits including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions.
• Starting with 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits.
• Weekly wellbeing hour.

See full details of employee benefits.

NRW values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented communities. We guarantee interviews for disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria. Our pay scales are competitive, with starting points at the first pay scale point and annual increments. We support staff development through various training and education opportunities. NRW is a bilingual organization complying with Welsh Language Standards; Welsh language skills are an asset, and staff are encouraged to develop these skills.