Specialist Air Quality Advisor

The role involves supporting the development of NRW's approach to regulatory air quality and noise impact modelling assessment, creating practical guidance and tools that support consistent and effective delivery. You will provide expert advice and support to NRW teams, applying technical knowledge and understanding of environmental legislation and regulation. Staying ahead of sector developments, you will identify emerging trends and assess their implications for NRW's regulation in terms of air quality.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a role that combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaboration. 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 upon appointment. Any regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Jiping Shi at Jiping.Shi@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk. Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS). Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Natural Resources Wales welcomes applications from non-UK citizens who are eligible to apply under this route, subject to confirmation by the Home Office. The organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants.

About Us: Natural Resources Wales' Air Quality and Noise Team is part of the Integrated Evidence Group in the Knowledge and Evidence department. You'll report directly to the Team Leader, working alongside passionate specialists committed to delivering high-quality evidence and expert advice that shapes environmental policy and practice across Wales.

What You Will Do:

• Provide support on the development and provision of modelling advice and guidance on all aspects of an air quality modelling service for Wales.
• Use a variety of air quality and noise modelling software to model impacts on health and the environment of aerial emissions from new and existing industrial or commercial installations.
• Act as an expert in the principles and application of air dispersion modelling in risk assessment for regulation.
• Analyse and interpret complex data and technical information.
• Co-ordinate and provide technical advice and guidance to NRW staff, ensuring local decisions are consistent and aligned with the agreed government approach.
• Disseminate complex technical information and data to audiences ranging from technically proficient to non-technical, including collaboration with industry.
• Develop tools and procedures to facilitate data analysis and processing, enabling interpretation and reporting on environmental data.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Support the Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand its application to the role.
• Engage in personal development through the effective use of a personal development plan (Sgwrs).
• Participate in incident response activities.
• Perform any other reasonable duties requested in line with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

• Substantial previous experience in all aspects of air quality and noise modelling in regulatory impact assessment.
• Expertise in regulatory air quality and noise modelling.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret modelling results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; a strong team worker.
• A degree in a numerate subject (or a degree with substantial numerate content) is essential.

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 the course of employment.

Benefits:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering 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 encourage applications from under-represented communities and guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We are committed to equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion, belief, sex and sexual orientation. We guarantee interview access for disabled candidates and provide additional support where required. Our staff benefit from competitive pay scales, which are advertised in job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale, with annual increments each year. We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth, from leadership development to further and higher education courses. We are a bilingual organisation compliant with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are an asset and are encouraged.