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- Tasks: Join our team to protect Wales' nature through innovative conservation projects.
- Company: Natural Resources Wales is dedicated to sustainable management and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to work on meaningful projects until March 2026, with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 36246 - 39942 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Development Planning Advisor
Role ID: 200055
Location: Cardiff
Grade/Salary range: 6: £41,132 – £44,988
Working pattern: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 23/11/2025
The role
Are you a planning professional with strong technical expertise and a passion for shaping sustainable development?
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is seeking a Senior Planning Advisor to lead on complex, high-profile casework within our Development Planning Advice Service (DPAS). This is a unique opportunity to influence major development proposals across Wales-including infrastructure, housing, transport, and agriculture – ensuring environmental priorities are at the heart of decision-making.
In this role, you'll provide expert advice to Planning Authorities, Welsh Government and applicants, drawing on topics such as conservation sites, European Protected Species, flood risk, water quality, air quality, contaminated land, and landscape. You'll collaborate with technical specialists across NRW to deliver robust, evidence-based guidance that supports sustainable outcomes. Your expertise will directly influence how development takes place in Wales – ensuring it aligns with national priorities for climate, biodiversity, and natural resource management.
We're looking for someone with substantial experience in planning, environmental management or ecological consultancy. You'll lead on complex and high profile cases, mentor colleagues, and contribute to shaping NRW's strategy and guidance.
To succeed, you'll need excellent communication and analytical skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to influence at a strategic level. Your work will contribute directly to improving the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional to make a lasting impact and help grow a respected, forward-thinking environmental planning service.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the NRW office in Bangor and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams between 3 – 10 December 2025
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.
What you will do
- Oversee and provide assurance of advice to Local Development Plans and other sub-regional strategies and plans, including the advice on strategic environmental assessment of such plans.
- Produce advice to nationally significant infrastructure projects or complex, high-risk development proposals ensuring NRW advice is robust, evidence based and delivered to deadline.
- Contribute professional judgement and assistance to decision-making in respect of strategic and complex individual development proposals and plans managed by other team members.
- Assure information prepared in relation to challenges against NRW development planning advice.
- Attend appeals and inquiries.
- Provide operational input to the development of NRW policy, process and guidance.
- Ensure that NRW policy, process and guidance is consistently applied within the team.
- Develop and maintain effective customer relationships (internal and external).
- Influence local development projects and strategies early in their evolution.
- Responsible for the technical development of team members.
- Provide functional advice and experience to multifunctional place planning such as Area Statements.
- Contribute to the development of the teamwork plan.
- Manage and deliver continuous Improvement projects for the Service.
- Maintain auditable records of actions and outcomes to justify and demonstrate that all legal and procedural requirements have been met.
- Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
- Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
- Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
- Excellent knowledge and substantial experience of environmental assessment and development planning processes.
- Excellent understanding and significant experience of the development sector.
- Experience of community liaison and public engagement activities in relation to major projects.
- Able to communicate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at senior management levels.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills and an ability to represent both the technical and strategic aspects of Development Planning work to non-specialists, both within NRW and externally, in a concise and effective way.
- Able to analyse complex information and situations, solve problems and make sound judgements.
- Able to coach and mentor others effectively.
- Able to manage projects and lead virtual task groups.
- Strong and effective self-management and organisational skills.
Welsh Language level requirements
- Essential: Level A1 – Entry level
Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Company employer: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Detail:
Natural Resources Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Company
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Vital Nature strategy and local Area Statement priorities. Understanding these documents will help you align your discussions and proposals with the organisation's goals, showcasing your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of nature conservation and biodiversity. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and partners, which can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with landowners and stakeholders. Use the STAR method to articulate how you've successfully navigated challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to influence others.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your technical skills, particularly in GIS and other specialised IT systems mentioned in the job description. Being able to confidently discuss your proficiency in these areas during the interview will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Company
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Natura 2000 Sustainable Management Adviser position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Use the STAR Method: Prepare to demonstrate your skills and experiences using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method during your application and interview. This structured approach will help you present your achievements clearly and effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in nature conservation, biodiversity, and working with landowners or stakeholders. Provide specific examples that showcase your ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also expresses your passion for biodiversity and sustainability. Make sure to connect your personal values with the mission of Natural Resources Wales.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Natura 2000 Sustainable Management Adviser. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in nature conservation and biodiversity.
✨Prepare for STAR Method Questions
Since the interview will likely use the STAR method, prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in nature conservation, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Structure your answers to highlight the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Express your enthusiasm for environmental issues and sustainability during the interview. Share any personal projects or initiatives you've been involved in that relate to biodiversity and conservation, as this will show your genuine commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As the role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders and navigated challenging situations in the past.