Lead Infrastructure Programme Advisor Closing Date: 15 June 2025 Location: Flexible Team / Directorate: Planning, Landscape & Energy Team, Evidence Policy & 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) Post number: 203896 The role Are you ready to lead a nationally significant programme that will shape the future of infrastructure and including renewable energy in Wales? We re looking for an experienced professional to drive the delivery of our response to the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and lead programme development for infrastructure planning . As Lead Specialist Advisor for Infrastructure you ll coordinate the creation of key guidance, tools, and resources to support Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in fulfilling its responsibilities under this new legislation. You ll act as a central figure in aligning NRW s strategic direction with Welsh and UK Government infrastructure and energy policy. Working across regulatory, advisory and operational teams, you ll ensure internal coordination and external collaboration is seamless. You will also manage high-level relationships with Welsh Government, the renewables sector, and other national stakeholders to ensure the successful translation of policy into practical delivery. Key responsibilities include: Leading the development and delivery of NRW s infrastructure programme aligned with the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024. Creating strategic guidance, tools and resources to support policy implementation. Translating government energy and infrastructure policy into effective delivery plans. Collaborating across NRW and externally with government officials, developers, and sector bodies. Providing specialist advice on renewables to influence national programmes and policies. This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic infrastructure work at a national level, in a role that combines policy expertise, programme leadership and strong stakeholder influence. To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Adrian James at Adrian.james(AT)cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk . Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Interviews will be confirmed at a later date. Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Lead Infrastructure Programme Advisor
Closing Date: 15 June 2025
Location: Flexible
Team / Directorate: Planning, Landscape & Energy Team, Evidence Policy & 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)
Post number: 203896
The role
Are you ready to lead a nationally significant programme that will shape the future of infrastructure and including renewable energy in Wales? We're looking for an experienced professional to drive the delivery of our response to the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and lead programme development for infrastructure planning .
As Lead Specialist Advisor for Infrastructure you'll coordinate the creation of key guidance, tools, and resources to support Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in fulfilling its responsibilities under this new legislation. You'll act as a central figure in aligning NRW's strategic direction with Welsh and UK Government infrastructure and energy policy.
Working across regulatory, advisory and operational teams, you'll ensure internal coordination and external collaboration is seamless. You will also manage high-level relationships with Welsh Government, the renewables sector, and other national stakeholders to ensure the successful translation of policy into practical delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the development and delivery of NRW's infrastructure programme aligned with the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024. Creating strategic guidance, tools and resources to support policy implementation. Translating government energy and infrastructure policy into effective delivery plans. Collaborating across NRW and externally with government officials, developers, and sector bodies. Providing specialist advice on renewables to influence national programmes and policies.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic infrastructure work at a national level, in a role that combines policy expertise, programme leadership and strong stakeholder influence.
To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Adrian James at .
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Interviews will be confirmed at a later date.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
Flood Risk Community Engagement & Resilience Officer
Closing Date: 4 June 2025
Location: CP2 Cathays Park, Cardiff
Team / Directorate: National Flood Risk Services / Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Starting salary: £36,246 rising to £39,942 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
Interview date: Week commencing 16 and 23 June 2025
Post number: 203627
The role
We have an exciting opportunity in our flood community engagement and resilience team. If you want to help communities and individuals to be better prepared and more resilient when flooding occurs, then we would like to hear from you.
Our flood community engagement and resilience programme is driven by Welsh Government's National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales which aims to reduce the risk to people and communities from flooding and coastal erosion. Our work directly supports two of the Strategy's key objectives:
- Improving our understanding and communication of risk
- Preparedness and building resilience
The role supports our flood community engagement and resilience work programme, through delivery of once for Wales activities, as well as working with and supporting Operations teams in delivery at a local level. The role works across our Directorates and with other organisations to raise awareness of the risk of flooding across Wales and help communities become more resilient, for example supporting them in developing community flood plans and establishing their own community flood volunteers.
Key priorities over the next few years are to implement the recommendations from our Flood Community Engagement Review, in particular delivering improvements to our services, including online advice and support to communities, looking at new interventions such as behavioural insights and exploring opportunities for even more partnership working at a national and local level, including through the Public Service Boards.
The role is required to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders, both local and national, including organisations operating elsewhere in the UK and/or at a UK level, for example Welsh Government, Local Authorities, Environment Agency, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, National Flood Forum, voluntary sector and the community flood volunteer network we support across Wales.
Within our team the role works closely with and supports the Lead Specialist Advisor (Community Engagement and Resilience).
You will also undertake the role of the Monitoring and Forecasting Duty Officer, Flood Warning Duty Officer or Assistant Flood Warning Duty Officer (to be determined depending on qualifications and skills on appointment). These are rota'd duty officer roles, on standby duty, 24/7, approximately one week in every six to eight weeks. As well as this, to be available as far as is reasonable, to assist in operational response during prolonged flood events when not on standby.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the NRW office at the above location 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 Andy Wall at -
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
We anticipate the start date for this post to begin in September 2025 - To be discussed at interview
Marine Water Quality Improvement Officer
Closing Date: 4 June 2025
Location: Flexible
Natural Resources Wales may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date
Team / Directorate: Marine Sustainable Management Team / Operations
Starting salary: £36,246 rising to £39,942 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: To be confirmed
Post number: 203893
The role
You will deliver an ambitious work programme to improve marine water quality in Marine Protected Areas and Water Framework Designation waterbodies. This will include practical restoration, land, and habitat management , monitoring and stakeholder engagement work planned across the affected areas.
Working with teams across Wales you will collaborate with other water quality officers in ensuring delivery of the project objectives and targets and in developing objectives and a marine plan for future delivery. You will ensure good governance of the project, including strict adherence to NRW's procurement and wellbeing, health and safety practices.
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 Lily Pauls at -
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
About us
Natural Resources Wales has been putting in place an exciting new programme of marine work with support from Welsh Government's Water Capital Programme. NRW will deliver a suite of projects focussed on Welsh coasts and seas. In addition, we will be undertaking feasibility and evidence work that will help us to put in place better management for our coasts and seas in the future.
In this role, you will sit within the Marine Sustainable Management Team and work closely with a range of technical specialists in NRW, and partners and stakeholders across Wales.
Marine Licensing Officer
Closing Date: 04 June 2026
Location: Flexible
Natural Resources Wales reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date
Team / Directorate: Marine Licensing Team / Evidence, Policy & Permitting
Starting salary: £36,246 rising to £39,942 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: To be confirmed
Post number: 201610
The role
As a marine licensing officer you will lead on complex licence determination and decision making under marine permitting legislation by carrying out appropriate technical assessment in accordance with NRW policies and procedures where available, and issue, refuse or vary permits within measured timescales.
You will analyse and interpret a wide range of complex information, extracting key points and communicating this to others, at all levels. As well as represent the permitting team in your area of expertise on relevant internal technical groups, and internal/external stakeholder meetings.
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 Emmer Litt at -
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
About us
As the principal environmental regulator for Wales, NRW's role is significant and wide ranging. Regulation underpins much of what we do to protect, maintain, and enhance our natural resources now and for the future, so that people can live better and healthier lives and our wildlife can thrive.
The Permitting Service contributes to this by reducing the risk of harm to the environment and the people of Wales, supporting sustainable economic growth, and promoting responsible behaviour, through our robust assessment of applications for a wide range of activities and permissions.
The Permitting Service is a relatively small department comprising eight teams, working together to share knowledge, best practice, and experience.
Lead Specialist Advisor, Water Resources Specialist
Closing Date: 4 June 2025
Location: Flexible
Natural Resources Wales reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date
Team / Directorate: Water Resources Regulatory Approaches 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: Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2028
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: To be confirmed
Post number: 203934
The role
This Water Resources Lead Specialist Advisor role sits within NRW's Water Resources Regulatory Approaches Team in Evidence, Policy and Permitting.
In this role you will provide expert advice on matters relating to our current or future charging schemes for water resources. Provide the technical expert lead for delivering the strategic review of charges (annual subsistence) for water resources.
Work with others to manage the preparation of relevant water resources NRW policy, charging schemes, programmes, plans, strategies and guidance. This will translate Welsh and UK Government policy into practical approaches to the point of delivery.
Be instrumental in ensuring that we are raising the appropriate level of income from water resources charges to deliver sustainable management of water resources and expected service standards.
Ensure that our water resources charging schemes comply with relevant government policy, accountancy standards and internal governance, policy and procedures.
Work with the Regulatory Business Management Team, Operations and EPP and officials from WG and sector representatives.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within the place base / location above 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 Anthony Wilkes and Caroline Harris
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
About us
This Water Resources Lead Specialist Advisor role sits within NRW's Water Resources Regulatory Approaches Team in Evidence, Policy and Permitting.
Senior Protected Species Advisor
Closing Date: 15 June 2025
Location: Cardiff or Bangor
Team / Directorate: Development Planning Advice Service/Operations
Starting salary: £41,132 rising to £44,988 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: To be confirmed
Post number: 203912, 203913
The role
Are you passionate about protecting Wales' most iconic wildlife? We're looking for an experienced ecologist to take on a senior role in our Protected Species Team, part of Natural Resources Wales' (NRW) Development Planning Advice Service.
As a Senior Protected Species Advisor, you'll lead on providing expert technical advice for the following range of legally protected species; bats, otters, great crested newts, dormice, sand lizards, natterjack toad, water vole, red squirrels, and pine martens.
Your work will have direct influence on planning and licensing decisions across Wales, contributing to national efforts to tackle the nature emergency. You'll also mentor other team members, share your expertise, and collaborate with colleagues across NRW and beyond.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing expert advice on the ecology, conservation, and mitigation of protected species, with a focus on the above legally protected fauna.
Leading on complex development planning casework and species licence assessments.
Supporting and mentoring colleagues across NRW's Protected Species Team.
Engaging with internal teams and external customers to deliver clear, practical advice to support their decision making.
Contributing to the development of guidance, tools, and best practice.
We're looking for an organised, adaptable professional with deep ecological knowledge, strong communication skills and a collaborative approach. If you're motivated by making a real difference for wildlife at a national scale, we'd love to hear from you.
To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Jane Garner on .
Interviews will be confirmed at a later date.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
National Infrastructure Planning Lead Advisor Closing Date: 15 June 2025 Location: Flexible Team / Directorate: Development and Planning Advice Service, Operations 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: To be confirmed Post number: 203898, 203899 The role Are you ready to lead the way on Wales most complex and high-profile development proposals? We re looking for an experienced planning professional to take on a strategic role influencing major infrastructure decisions across the nation. As Lead Specialist Advisor for Development Planning (National Infrastructure), you will be the principal case manager for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in responding to nationally significant infrastructure projects. Representing NRW at Examinations and Public Inquiries, you ll deliver authoritative written and verbal evidence on a wide range of environmental and regulatory matters. Your advice will cover topics such as flood risk, water quality, protected species, contaminated land, designated sites and landscape. You ll work closely with technical specialists across NRW to build robust, evidence-based responses that shape sustainable outcomes for Wales. You ll also play a key role in shaping service strategy and improving consistency in how we deliver advice. From developing guidance and tools to mentoring colleagues, you ll help ensure the service remains resilient, technically strong and aligned with current legislation and policy. Key responsibilities include: Leading NRW s advice on the most complex and nationally significant planning applications. Representing NRW at statutory Examinations and Public Inquiries. Coordinating cross-functional input on technical and environmental issues. Supporting the development of strategic guidance, tools, and internal processes. Mentoring and coaching colleagues to build service resilience and capability. Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders including Welsh Government, Planning Authorities, and statutory bodies. This is a rare opportunity to lead the environmental planning response to major infrastructure that will shape the future of Wales. If you re driven by impact, policy, and sustainability we d love to hear from you. To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Gemma Beynon at - gemma.beynon(AT)cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk . Interviews will be confirmed at a later date. Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Principal Nuclear Policy & Regulatory Advisor Closing Date: 15 June 2025 Location: Flexible Team / Directorate: Radioactivity and Industry Policy Team, Evidence, Policy and Permitting Starting salary: £59,547 rising to £65,004 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: To be confirmed Post number: 203856 The role Are you an expert in nuclear strategy and regulation, ready to influence major energy infrastructure decisions in Wales? We re looking for a highly experienced professional to lead the development of nuclear policy and strategic regulatory input at the national level. As Principal Nuclear Strategy & Policy Advisor, you ll provide authoritative advice on nuclear energy, regulation, and permitting representing Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in key national discussions with UK and Welsh Government, industry, and regulatory partners. Your work will directly support the safe and sustainable deployment of new nuclear technologies and guide the responsible decommissioning of legacy infrastructure. You ll play a lead role in shaping NRW s position on emerging nuclear developments, including the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) and Justification processes, ensuring Wales has a strong voice in national energy planning. As a key member of the Radioactivity and Industry team, you will also help guide NRW s broader approach to radioactive substances and industrial environmental policy. To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Paul Gibson at Paul.Gibson(AT)cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Head of Knowledge and Evidence
Closing date: 2 June 2025
Salary: £74,460 - £80,072
Location: Flexible
Team / Directorate: Knowledge and Evidence / Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Starting salary: £74,460 rising to £80,072 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: 12/13 June 2025
Post number: 201236 (For office use only: GGL / ENV / GRJ / TTJ)
The Opportunity
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is at the heart of making sure Wales' natural resources are being used sustainably so that future generations can benefit from them.
If you want to put your scientific leadership skills to good use and get involved in exciting projects which impact the lives of everyone here in Wales, we want to hear from you!
Offering agile working, flexible working and remote working with generous annual leave allowances, civil service pension, CPD and a wide range of health & wellbeing benefits ensures that Natural Resources Wales remains an employer of choice for job seekers across Wales and beyond.
NRW are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. They embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of disability, neurodivergence, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, gender expression and gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, culture, or religion. They put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity, and respect at the heart of their values.
NRW are committed to equal opportunities and guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Yolk Recruitment is working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales to find them high calibre, inspirational leaders from across Wales. We are currently working with them to recruit a Head of Knowledge and Evidence.
The Role
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) continuously make complex and fascinating decisions that integrate environmental, economic and social considerations in pursuit of their core objective of sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR). They are seeking a leader to run the department that enables them to use their knowledge and evidence to make good decisions, evaluate those decisions, learn from and adapt to the impact they have, and let others know what they are learning. As Head of Knowledge and Evidence, you will lead a team of around 90 specialists, overseeing data analysis, laboratory services and integrated monitoring programmes across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments.
You will drive the evidence strategy to inform their operational delivery, policy and long-term planning. From environmental science to social research and statistics, your work will underpin NRW's commitment to SMNR. You will also play a key role on the Leadership Team supporting delivery and change for the whole organisation. You will work with senior roles in Welsh Government to advise decision-makers and influence key partners across Wales, the UK and internationally.
