Environmental Assessment Officer - Freshwater Ecology in Criccieth

Freshwater Ecologist

We are seeking a keen and enthusiastic Freshwater Ecologist to join our Environmental Assessment and Advice team in North West Wales. This exciting opportunity allows you to contribute to the protection and improvement of freshwater environments in a country renowned for its natural beauty and ecological importance.

This is a varied role that blends laboratory analysis, desk‑based assessment and fieldwork. The fieldwork will primarily be in North West Wales. You will play a key part in analysing freshwater ecological samples, undertaking field surveys across a range of sites, and directly supporting evidence‑based decision‑making and environmental protection. You will be responsible for laboratory analysis of samples, confidence in fieldwork, and producing clear, accurate reports. The role requires a full UK driving licence and the ability to swim and work confidently in water. Flexible working is supported, but driving and fieldwork in remote areas are essential.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Claire Liversage at claire.liversage@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk. Interviews will be face‑to‑face; the location will be shared in advance.

What You Will Do

• Undertake ad hoc and routine system administration, data quality assurance, analysis and reporting.
• Provide specialist monitoring technical advice and guidance to internal and external customers, ensuring decisions are based on sound technical judgement, in line with current legislation and best practice.
• Produce technical reports analysing and interpreting national and local datasets for operational work, public enquiries, court appeals, etc.
• Help ensure NRW’s monitoring data is collected and stored to the quality standards prescribed by European and UK legislation and by NRW policy.
• Assist Senior EAO and TL in planning, scheduling and tracking the annual survey and monitoring programmes, with regards to sampling activities.
• Advise on specialist non‑routine monitoring/survey work and the analysis of data, including input on delivery of operational measures.
• Contribute to delivery of survey and monitoring programmes.
• Guide, advise and support internal and external customers, ensuring decisions are made on sound technical data and information.
• Help resolve local issues by providing scientific and technical advice/interpretation of monitoring data.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new monitoring and reporting methods, including collaboration with partner organisations at a local level.
• Respond to requests for information relating to monitoring data, within specified deadlines.
• Maintain and procure specialist sampling equipment.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Commit to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• Commit to your own development and the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Take part in incident response activities.
• Perform any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

• Expertise in freshwater ecology and knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Practical experience of analysing freshwater ecological samples, and field‑based monitoring and surveying methods for macrophytes and river habitats.
• Good analytical and organisational skills, including experience of data management systems, knowledge of data handling and GIS.
• Excellent communication skills, including interpreting and reporting on environmental data.
• Ability to swim and be confident working in water.
• A current valid full UK driving licence to drive NRW fleet vehicles (cars and vans).

Welsh Language level requirements

• Essential: Level A1 – Entry level.
• Desirable: B2 – Upper intermediate level.

Additional Information

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.

Benefits

• 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 life needs.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose.

Equal Opportunities

We are 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 guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.