Field Officer (Rural Inspectorate Wales) - Welsh Essential in Caernarfon

The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

This post involves extensive travel across Wales. A valid driving licence and motor insurance is required. A flat-rate annual payment is available to Field Officers to compensate for the additional wear and tear on their vehicles incurred when travelling on business across rough terrain.

Join Us and Help Shape the Future of Wales. Are you passionate about delivering excellent customer service and making a meaningful impact in communities across Wales? Rural Payments Wales (RPW) are recruiting enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join their high-performing, well-established teams. RPW is the largest operational delivery division within the Welsh Government, supporting Wales’s rural economy and administering around £300 million of funding each year.

The Rural Inspectorate Wales (RIW) is responsible for ensuring compliance with Assimilated Law and other domestic directives and regulations through the completion of a programme of ‘on-the-spot’ (OTSC) controls for schemes administered by Rural Payments Wales (RPW). This is a physically demanding but rewarding role involving on-site visits to project locations and farms to inspect land, livestock, capital works, and more, often with minimal notice.

You will be required to accurately record inspection results using IT systems, capturing sufficient evidence to clearly demonstrate findings, including any breaches of scheme rules. This is a target-oriented post that requires working to set deadlines. This is an exciting opportunity dealing with a wide range of cases and will develop skills in dealing effectively and efficiently with internal and external customers while maintaining excellent customer service.

The post holders will work as part of a team alongside other inspectors across Wales and will be expected to travel frequently. A full, valid UK driving licence is essential, as the role may require visits to remote locations where access by public transport is limited or impractical.

Benefits of Working with Us:

• Competitive salary with annual pay progression.
• Generous pension scheme and secure employment within the Welsh Government.
• Hybrid and flexible working options, including flexi-time and job-share opportunities.
• Excellent annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• A strong focus on wellbeing, including access to support services and staff networks.
• A welcoming, inclusive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive training and development, including opportunities to progress your career.

Farm inspections require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Inspectors will work in close proximity to both small and large livestock (including sheep and cattle) and may be required to undertake some physical interaction with animals.

Each successful candidate will be required to take part in on-site training days, team meetings, and anchor days and regularly attend the office. These in-person responsibilities are essential to maintaining continuity, visibility, and effective support across the team.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Welsh language requirements: Welsh language skills are essential for this role. The skills required for this role are specified below. These skills will be assessed as part of the selection process.

Experience: Applicants should have experience/understanding of agriculture.

The Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, which recognises that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments, or health conditions, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language. We are committed to removing barriers in the recruitment process so that all (or potential new) staff can perform at their best.

We support you to join a recognised trade union, to ensure your voice is heard in the workplace.