Specialist Environment and Social Advisor

This high profile role within NRW’s Communications, Customer and Commercial Directorate puts you at the centre of some of the most exciting commercial and renewable energy developments on the NRW Managed Estate. As our environmental specialist, you will provide trusted, expert advice to Developers, Programme and Project Managers—helping turn ambitious plans into projects that deliver both commercial success and environmental gain.

You will play a leading role in facilitating complex commercial energy and wider commercial developments through the practical application of the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) approach. Working closely with colleagues across Forest Operations, Land Management and specialist teams, and partnering with external Developers, you will help shape projects from early concept through to delivery. Your ability to translate environmental principles into clear, proportionate, and influential advice will be key to success.

This is a dynamic, outward facing role for someone who enjoys collaboration, problem solving and influencing outcomes. You’ll balance commercial opportunity with environmental responsibility, ensuring biodiversity gain and sustainable land use sit at the heart of development on the NRW Managed Estate. If you’re passionate about protecting and enhancing Wales’ natural environment—and want your expertise to make a real, measurable impact—this is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable commercial development and help shape the future of our managed land.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within North Wales; 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 be face to face in Aberystwyth, date to be confirmed. 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.

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. Please note that while we may be able to support the Certificate of Sponsorship required for a visa application, the organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants. The applicant must still meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirement.

What you will do:

• Review, analyse and interpret complex information and provide timely advice on ERH (e.g. Habitat Management & Access Management Plans) issues supported by relevant written reports.
• Undertake research and provide advice for colleagues to act upon energy project Environmental Statements ensuring ERH constraints are considered and managed appropriately.
• Undertake site-based monitoring communicating regularly with Developers and identify risks and issues to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
• Contribute to NRW technical/strategic groups ensuring that policy and delivery are consistent and appropriate.
• Share good ERH practice with Developers ensuring that statutory consultee is informed and understands the reasoning behind advice.
• Influence the work of others through representation at team and Developer events and build and maintain relationships and lines of communication.
• Ensure environmental planning conditions placed on Developers are completed to an acceptable standard to protect the Minister’s interest.
• Ensure Habitat Management and Access Management Plan work programmes are managed and delivered minimising risk to NRW and potential legacy outcomes.
• Act as contract manager on supply contracts.
• 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:

• Degree in environmental science or related subject and/or relevant experience of managing environmental issues on a construction site.
• Ability to negotiate and influence effectively internally and externally to deliver ERH management.
• Good understanding / experience of Welsh planning system at local and NSIP level.
• Good understanding/experience of environmental issues, climate change and sustainable development issues that impact on NRW Managed Estate.
• Good written and spoken communication skills.
• PRINCE2 Foundation or Practitioner level or willingness to achieve the qualification.
• Good IT skills particularly Word, Excel, GIS.
• Good interpersonal skills, team working skills and the ability to deal appropriately with people of all levels.
• Ability to be self-motivated and lone work.
• Full UK driving licence.

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.