Environment Officer (Conservation)

Environment Officer (Conservation)

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help conserve 30% of Wales' natural environments by creating management plans and collaborating with farmers.
  • Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, a passionate team dedicated to protecting the environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and health and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and contribute to a sustainable future for Wales.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of conservation, strong organisational skills, and ability to work in a team.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development await you.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

The role helps deliver Wales's contribution to the global goal of conserving 30% of land, freshwater and marine environments by 2030. Working as part of NRW's support for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), you will help create practical management plans for designated sites and work directly with farmers to identify actions that benefit habitats, species and the wider environment. We are recruiting Environment Officers across North East and North West Wales, on fixed‑term appointment until 31/03/2027 only. These roles will be based out of our Bangor, Buckley and Dolgellau sites.

You will provide technical expertise in protected site management, including regulatory work (assents and consents), proactive conservation advice and developing partnerships and management agreements. Your role will support NRW's biodiversity priorities and offer specialist input to colleagues and projects across the organisation. You may also contribute to broader environmental management, including incident response, water resources, land and water quality, and work linked to delivering Water Framework Directive outcomes. You will work alongside established operational teams and play a key role in improving environmental outcomes on the ground.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home in the above list of locations and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face‑to‑face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

What You Will Do:

  • Work with a wide range of internal and external customers including permit holders, landowners, businesses, public bodies, recreation groups, volunteers and third‑sector organisations to enable others to achieve SMNR.
  • Establish, maintain and advise partners to support the development of partnership projects and plans through from concepts to implementation.
  • Assess compliance with relevant legislation, permit or consent conditions.
  • Draft valid consents and assents for operations affecting protected sites.
  • Produce required advice, investigations, documentation and reports to agreed quality standards to support operational and management decisions.
  • Provide professional local advice and responses to consultations from planning and permitting teams.
  • Monitor progress of work, which may include interpretation of data, contractor management, project delivery or compliance with management agreements or statutory legal notices.
  • Play a role in a resilient NRW Incident Management Service that follows NRW process to ensure effective, timely and safe response to incidents.
  • Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
  • Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.
  • Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

  • A good working knowledge of conservation and biodiversity, with focused experience in these distinct areas of the team remit.
  • An understanding of how your role in a multi‑functional team can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources.
  • Strong and effective self‑management, organisational and ICT skills, including the ability to use specialised IT systems, such as GIS or customised applications.
  • The ability to influence, negotiate and gain cooperation of others.
  • Hold a current full UK valid licence to drive NRW fleet vehicles (cars and vans).

Welsh Language level requirements: Essential: Level C1 - Proficiency level.

Benefits:

  • Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97%.
  • 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days.
  • Generous leave entitlements for all your 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 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 we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Environment Officer (Conservation) employer: Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for both people and nature. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous leave entitlements, and a supportive work culture that embraces diversity and flexible working arrangements, NRW provides a fulfilling environment for Environment Officers in North East and North West Wales. Join a passionate team where your contributions directly impact biodiversity and environmental management, all while enjoying the benefits of a Civil Service Pension Scheme and a focus on health and wellbeing.
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Contact Detail:

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Environment Officer (Conservation)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Natural Resources Wales and their projects. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former NRW employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Use the STAR method to prepare for your interview questions. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in conservation, teamwork, and problem-solving. This will help you articulate your value effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Environment Officer (Conservation)

Conservation Knowledge
Biodiversity Expertise
Regulatory Compliance
Partnership Development
Project Management
Evidence Collection
Report Writing
Data Interpretation
Negotiation Skills
Team Collaboration
ICT Skills
GIS Proficiency
Health and Safety Awareness
Self-Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the role of an Environment Officer and how it fits into conservation efforts. Highlight your knowledge of biodiversity and conservation in your application to show us you're the right fit!

Use the STAR Method: When detailing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This helps us see how you've tackled challenges and achieved results in past roles.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Show us why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our goals.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

✨Know Your Conservation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of conservation and biodiversity. Understand the specific challenges and opportunities in Wales, especially regarding the Sustainable Farming Scheme. Being able to discuss relevant legislation and how it impacts site management will show you're serious about the role.

✨Master the STAR Method

Prepare to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in teamwork, negotiation, and problem-solving, particularly in challenging situations related to environmental management.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

This role involves working with a variety of stakeholders, so be ready to talk about your experience in collaboration. Highlight instances where you've successfully influenced or negotiated with others, especially in multi-functional teams. This will show you can contribute effectively to NRW's goals.

✨Get Comfortable with Tech

Familiarise yourself with any specialised IT systems mentioned in the job description, like GIS. If you have experience using these tools, be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Showing your tech-savviness can set you apart from other candidates.

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