Lead Specialist Advisor Abandoned Mines in Wales

Abandoned metal mines are one of the most significant pollution pressures in Wales. Over 200 mine sites discharge high levels of metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium into the environment which have a detrimental effect on over 700km of rivers, reducing their ecological quality. We work with other organisations, notably the Mining Remediation Authority, to understand the sources of this pollution and to find and build solutions.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in delivering this work, providing high quality technical input and project management to the programme to provide the evidence base which underpins it. You will take the lead on directing monitoring programmes, investigating and characterising sites and catchments and delivering remedial solutions.

Driving is essential to this role. The role will involve visits to remote sites in Wales and to other offices, stakeholders. You must hold a full and current UK driving license.

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.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Dave Johnston at.

Interviews will be face to face (details of location will be shared in advance).

You will join a small team at NRW working specifically on abandoned metal mines. The team is part of a wider group charged with delivering projects and programmes across a diverse portfolio including river restoration, biodiversity and ecosystem protection and improvement, flood risk management and reservoir engineering.

What you will do

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.
• Provide 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.
• Retain ownership and oversight of policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• 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 abandoned mines.
• 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).
• Required to take part in incident response activities.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

• Educated to a minimum of degree level in an environmental discipline such as geoscience, geology, biology, environmental engineering or related technical subject, with experience of abandoned metal mines, water quality, freshwater ecology or contaminated land.
• Knowledge of Welsh and UK policy drivers and legislation related to abandoned mines: including contaminated land, waste and water quality.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders and industries involved with abandoned mines in Wales.
• Experience and in-depth technical understanding of pollution from abandoned mines and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.
• Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
• You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and have achieved Corporate Membership of a Professional body (e.g. Geological Society, MICE, MCIHT, MCIWEM or MRICS) at Chartered status (e.g. CGeol) or working towards chartership.
• Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
• Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.

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.

Additional Information

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. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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.

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 a 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.