Environmental Advisor (Development Planning) in Criccieth

The role involves working with passionate individuals who have a background in environmental science, sustainability or planning, to help shape the future of Wales through the Development Planning Advice Service. This service influences strategic land use plans and projects seeking planning consent, providing varied and rewarding work that impacts sustainable development in Wales.

As a member of the "Once for Wales" development planning Service, you will engage directly with Planning Authorities and developers on various proposals including energy, transport, housing, economic regeneration, tourism, and agriculture. Collaboration with technical experts across North Wales is essential to create and provide accurate, robust, and influential advice on topics such as conservation sites, European Protected Species, flood risk, water quality, air quality, contaminated land, and landscape.

This role is flexible across North Wales, but regular attendance at the Bangor office is expected. The organisation supports flexible working, with a hybrid working pattern agreed upon appointment. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

What You Will Do:

• Produce advice to Local Development Plans, including advice on their Strategic Environmental Assessment, ensuring it is robust, evidence-based, and delivered to deadline.
• Provide advice on pre-application enquiries, development management consultations, Developments of National Significance, and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Prepare information related to challenges against NRW development planning advice, including attendance at Appeals and Inquiries.
• Develop and maintain effective customer relationships and ensure a good understanding of customer needs.
• Identify opportunities to influence local Development projects and plans early on.
• Maintain auditable records of actions and outcomes to demonstrate compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the post.
• Commit to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.
• Engage in personal development through the effective use of your personal development plan.
• Perform any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

• Experience in development planning processes or environmental management and legislation within the development sector.
• Experience of contributing to, applying, and/or reviewing environmental impact assessments.
• Able to communicate effectively with Local Planning Authorities, businesses, and the public, explaining complex issues and gaining support.
• Strong self-management and organisational skills.
• Able to analyse complex information, solve problems, and make sound judgements.
• Able to work well as part of a team and lead virtual task groups.

Welsh Language level requirements:

Essential: Level A1 – Entry level. If you do not meet the A1 requirement, NRW offers learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during your employment.

Benefits:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days.
• Generous leave entitlements for all life needs.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose.

We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and 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 guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We want to attract and retain talented staff, ensuring competitive pay scales. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale with annual increments paid each year. Natural Resources Wales is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, except for specific roles meeting eligibility criteria and salary requirements set by the UK Government.

We support professional and personal growth through leadership development and access to further education courses, allowing staff to expand their knowledge and continue learning throughout their careers. We are a bilingual organisation compliant with Welsh Language Standards, and Welsh language skills are considered an asset.