Senior Landfill Emissions Reduction Project Officer in Wales

This is a rare opportunity to join and be an instrumental member of the Landfill Emissions Reduction Project (LERP) at Natural Resources Wales. The post holder will support the delivery of Welsh Government's Net Zero Carbon Budget 2 (2025-2027) focusing on the environmental impact of both closed and operational landfill sites. You will work within a small team dedicated to landfill regulation, planning and delivering detailed landfill gas audits to increase gas capture and destruction/utilisation. The role also involves improving understanding of landfill gas flaring across applicable sites, enhancing the accuracy of national emissions modelling. You'll investigate the impact of changing waste streams on landfill gas generation and explore options for addressing key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. You will also collaborate with DEFRA and other UK regulators, respond safely and efficiently to environmental incidents and reports, and undertake appropriate investigations. Through application of our Regulatory Principles, you will ensure compliance, take proportionate enforcement action, and deliver tangible environmental benefits.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the delivery of Welsh Government's Net Zero Carbon Budget 2 (2021-2025) through the Landfill Emissions Reduction Project (LERP), focusing on the environmental impact of both closed and operational landfill sites.
• Plan and deliver detailed landfill gas audits to improve gas capture, destruction/utilisation, and flaring performance, enhancing the accuracy of national emissions modelling.
• Produce reports and updates to Welsh Government and NRW on the progress of the LERP project.
• Use power BI to maintain the landfill database and visualize landfill gas data.
• Investigate the impact of changing waste streams on landfill gas generation and explore mitigation options for key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Provide specialist expertise across NRW functions, acting as a local expert or sector lead in regulation and environmental monitoring, and influencing operational decisions internally and externally.
• Lead and manage significant programmes of work, including responsibility for the LERP gas database and successful delivery of landfill gas audits and reports.
• Analyse and interpret complex information, undertake research, and produce documents that inform regulatory decisions and business planning.
• Identify non-compliance and implement appropriate interventions to restore compliance with minimal environmental and economic impact.
• Develop medium-term regulatory strategies with operators, engaging senior company representatives to deliver multiple benefits.
• Contribute to the wider NRW landfill sector.
• Represent NRW in technical and strategic groups, including UK sector forums, and contribute to cross-agency collaboration to promote consistent regulatory approaches and best practice.
• Coach and mentor team members, and contribute to a positive health, safety, and well-being culture.
• Undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the post and comply with NRW's Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (Sgwrs).
• Manage procurement documentation and ensure value for money in project delivery.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you will be working with:

You will collaborate across NRW, working with internal teams and external partners to deliver policies and work plans efficiently. You'll provide specialist advice at an operational level, lead technical staff through matrix-managed programmes, and mentor less experienced colleagues. You'll also contribute to meetings and forums, presenting insights and guidance as needed.

Where you will be working:

Your role will be primarily office-based (Home and at one of NRW offices), with travel to other NRW locations and partner sites as required.

What other information is relevant to your job:

You'll apply the principles of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) in your work and collaborate across NRW and with external partners to solve complex challenges. You're expected to follow organisational policies and ensure financial decisions represent value for money. As NRW is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004), you may be required to support emergency response activities. This role description outlines the scope of the post and should be read alongside your Personal Development Plan.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

You'll bring a recognised qualification or equivalent knowledge, along with substantial experience in your field. You'll be a subject matter expert, capable of managing projects, budgets, and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to prioritise tasks and provide technical advice in complex situations.

Applications to this role will be assessed based on the following criteria both at shortlisting and interview. In your job application, please demonstrate, using the STAR method, how you meet the requirements outlined below. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of the following:

• Extensive knowledge and experience of either working in a regulated industry or as a regulator.
• Good understanding of commercial business processes and pressures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulated business and the public, explaining complex issues and gaining support by influencing.

Welsh Language Requirements:

Essential: Level 1 - Able to pronounce Welsh and use basic phrases. Desirable: Level B2 - Upper intermediate level (able to discuss work matters). Please note: If you do not meet the Level 1 requirement-i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and pronounce Welsh names correctly-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.