Lead Woodland Programme Implementation Specialist in Wales

The role Are you passionate about shaping the future of Wales' woodlands? We're looking for an inspiring expert to lead the way in woodland creation, management and restoration across the nation. In this pivotal role, you'll drive the development of NRW policy, programmes, strategies and guidance - turning Welsh and UK Government ambitions into practical, effective action on the ground. You'll collaborate closely with colleagues across directorates, work directly with Welsh Government officials, and engage with key partners across the forestry and environmental sectors. If you're ready to make a real impact on Wales' landscapes, this is your opportunity to lead meaningful change.

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 Elen Richards at Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams. 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

About us The Woodland Programme Team plays a key role in delivering Wales's woodland ambitions, supporting nature recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable timber production. Working on behalf of the Welsh Government, we help ensure woodland creation, management and restoration projects meet high environmental and forestry standards.

What we do We ensure that applications to Welsh Government's Woodland Programmes adhere to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and Welsh Government grant requirements. We also support Welsh Government by advising on policy and scheme development, and by leading on projects to improve the datasets that inform these schemes such as the 2026 Wales Wader Survey.

What you will do:

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of 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 woodland creation, management and restoration identifying the implications of policy, legislative, technology and market changes for Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and the forestry 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 woodland creation, management and restoration.
• 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:

• Knowledge and understanding of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to woodland creation, management and restoration; Welsh & UK Governments & EU policy drivers in woodland creation and restoration implementation; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders involved with woodland creation, management and restoration in Wales and the UK.
• Experience in informing and influencing government departments, preferably on environmental issues.
• Experience of working at pace and have a track record of delivery.
• Degree in relevant subject or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience representing organisations in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
• Show innovation and demonstrate a drive to achieve targets.
• Welsh Language level requirements Essential: Level A1 - Entry level Welsh language levels.

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.

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 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.