Development Planning Advisor in Bangor, Wales

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, offering varied and rewarding work that impacts sustainable development in Wales.

This position is flexible across North Wales, with regular attendance at the Bangor office expected. As part 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 NRW is essential to 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.

We seek a collaborative individual with strong organisational and communication skills and a keen interest in environmental protection and planning. This role offers professional development in the environmental and planning sector, contributing to the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales. Flexible working is supported, and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed upon appointment.

What you will do:

• Produce advice for Local Development Plans, including Strategic Environmental Assessment, ensuring robustness and evidence-based delivery.
• Provide advice for pre-application enquiries, development management consultations, 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 understand 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 (Sgwrs).
• Participate in incident response activities.
• 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 in 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 A2 - Elementary Level
• Desirable: Level B2 - Upper Intermediate

Please note that if you do not meet the essential Welsh language level requirements, your application will not be shortlisted. If you meet the essential but not the desired level, you would be expected to develop this skill while in the role.

Additional Information:

• Successful applicants will undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).
• Appointments are typically made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
• Natural Resources Wales cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position.

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 aim to attract and retain talented staff by ensuring competitive pay scales, with appointed candidates starting at the first point of the pay scale and receiving annual increments. We provide opportunities for professional and personal growth, including leadership development and access to further education courses. We are a bilingual organisation compliant with Welsh Language Standards, considering Welsh language skills an asset and supporting staff in developing these skills.