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Closing Date: 4 September 2025 Location: Flexible Natural Resources Wales reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date Team / Directorate: Terrestrial Ecosystems Team / Evidence, Policy and Permitting Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (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: 15 September 2025 Post number: 204016 (For office use only: M, GGL, ENV, GRJ) The role Take the lead in shaping the future of Wales upland and heathland landscapes. As NRW s expert on upland and heathland ecosystems, you ll spearhead the development of policy, strategic programmes, plans and guidance, to turn national ambitions into real-world impact. Your work will help translate Welsh and UK Government policy into ecologically robust, practical, on-the-ground approaches for nature recovery. Your expert ecological knowledge will make a critical contribution across areas including habitat management, site assessments, casework, and statutory reporting, for Wales uplands and heathlands. You ll collaborate with colleagues across NRW s Evidence, Policy and Permitting (EPP) and Operations teams, build strong relationships with Welsh Government officials, and work closely with partners and stakeholders across the sector. This is your chance to connect big-picture policy with real delivery ensuring that Wales s uplands and heathlands are protected, restored and resilient for generations to come. 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. Interviews will take place via 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

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes, including casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.
• Provide advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Retain ownership and oversight of the upland and heathland ecosystems policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the technical specialist areas identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to upland and heathland ecosystems.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development 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.
  
  

• Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to biodiversity; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in biodiversity; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders involved with biodiversity in Wales.
• Specialist technical knowledge related to upland and heathland ecosystems.
• Experience of: In-depth understanding of the relevant technical specialist area and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.
• Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
• You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
• Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
• Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.
  
  

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Technology, Information and Internet

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