At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity in Wales.
- Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, the key environmental regulator for sustainable resource management.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension scheme, 28-33 days annual leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Welsh language skills are a plus, with support available for learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate action while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of environmental legislation and project management experience are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating a resilient Wales\'s by transitioning to net zero and restoring nature. As the Lead Specialist for Biodiversity and Industrial Decarbonisation Implementation, you will shape how major infrastructure and decarbonisation projects can be developed to tackle the joint nature and climate emergencies. The role exists to develop innovative, risk-based approaches that protects our most valuable natural sites and species whilst facilitating urgent climate action.
Working flexibly as part of the Biodiversity and Policy Strategy Team, you will have no formal line management responsibilities but will influence staff across multiple functions and disciplines. Your focus will be on streamlining assessments, developing new governance and decision-making frameworks, and helping NRW shift to strategic, solutions-focused thinking.
You will report to the Team Leader and operate across teams and directorates, playing a critical role in NRW\'s support for Wales\'s resilient low carbon future.
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 on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams
About us
Natural Resources Wales is the principal environmental regulator and adviser to the Welsh Government. We are responsible for the sustainable management of Wales\'s natural resources, guided by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and our corporate strategy Nature and People Thriving Together. Our three well-being objectives are:
- Nature is recovering
- Communities are resilient to climate change
- Pollution is minimised
This role sits within the Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate, which leads on translating environmental evidence and government policy into operational practice. Within this, the Natural Resources Management Policy Department provides strategic direction on the sustainable land, freshwater and marine development supporting cross-sectoral priorities like industrial decarbonisation.
The team is focused on ensuring that environmental protection and climate action go hand in hand. A key priority is to continue the development how NRW delivers its responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations and the Water Framework Directive where new, novel, innovative and potentially repercussive technologies are proposed to facilitate large-scale low carbon infrastructure implementation.
This role is central to that goal. You will lead development of risk-based decision frameworks, advise on legal and procedural changes, and support collaboration across NRW\'s functions to deliver rapid, robust and proportionate regulation in the face of the join nature and climate emergencies.
What you will do
- Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development and management of NRW approaches to casework, as well NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes.
- Manage the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, advice and guidance documents. Manage the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working.
- Provide statutory advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
- Advise on evidence gaps, commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
- Maintain a detailed working knowledge of environmental assessments and in particular Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) identifying the implications of policy, legislative, technology and market changes for Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and the Marine sector.
- Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
- Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to environmental assessment derogations.
- Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
- 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 .
Welsh Language Level requirements:
- Essential: Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)
Welsh language levels
Please note if you do not meet the level 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.
Benefits
This role will offer a range of benefits, including:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
- 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
See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.
Please keep reading
We\'re 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.
We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.
We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.
We are a bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards . Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.
You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally. Applications are welcome from individuals who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time.
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Lead Biodiversity and Industrial Decarbonisation Implementation Specialist in Woking employer: Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a resilient and sustainable future for Wales. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to make meaningful contributions towards tackling climate change and enhancing biodiversity. Our competitive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and annual leave, alongside our focus on equality and diversity, makes NRW a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Biodiversity and Industrial Decarbonisation Implementation Specialist in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and policies related to environmental assessments, particularly the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of biodiversity and decarbonisation. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about current challenges and innovations in the sector. This can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led complex projects, especially those involving multiple stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to manage the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Welsh language skills, even if you're at a basic level. Being able to understand and pronounce simple phrases can set you apart from other candidates and shows your commitment to integrating into the local culture and workplace.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Biodiversity and Industrial Decarbonisation Implementation Specialist in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Lead Biodiversity and Industrial Decarbonisation Implementation Specialist role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Use the STAR Method:When detailing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you clearly demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role, especially in areas like project management and environmental assessments.
Highlight Relevant Knowledge:Make sure to showcase your knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to environmental assessment, particularly HRA and WFD. Mention any practical understanding of decarbonisation efforts in Wales and how they relate to the role.
Demonstrate Collaboration Skills:Since the role involves influencing staff across multiple functions, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked with diverse teams or stakeholders to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales
✨Understand the Legislation
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to environmental assessments, particularly the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare to showcase your experience in project management. Use the STAR method to highlight specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you navigated complex issues and delivered results. This will be crucial as the role involves leading and managing specific and complex issues.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Familiarise yourself with the range of partners and stakeholders involved in decarbonising industry in Wales and the UK. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with these groups effectively, as collaboration is key in this role.
✨Show Your Passion for Biodiversity
Express your commitment to biodiversity and climate action during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your dedication to creating a resilient environment, aligning with the organisation's goals.
