At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess environmental permit applications to protect Wales' water quality.
- Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, dedicated to sustainable solutions for pollution and water supply.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Welsh language skills at Level A1 are required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection while developing your expertise in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of permitting legislation and experience in assessing applications are essential.
Water Quality Permitting Officer
Closing Date: 24 August 2025
Salary: Grade 5: £36,246 - £39,942
Location: Flexible
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)
Interview Date: Week commencing 8 September 2025
Post number: 201598
The role
Do you want to play a direct role in protecting and improving Wales rivers, lakes and coastal waters? Join our Water Quality Permitting Team and help tackle pollution while supporting sustainable economic growth.
As a Water Quality Permitting Officer, you ll assess environmental permit applications from water companies, businesses, industry and even householders making decisions that shape a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for people and nature.
You ll be part of a close-knit team of 8 officers working hybrid as part of NRW s National Permitting Service. Our team is part of the wider Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate, which covers permitting and licensing across Waste, Industry, Marine, Water Resources, Forestry and Species. Based mainly in Cardiff, we support flexible working, with in-person training and meetings to help you build technical skills and connect with your colleagues.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your expertise while contributing to real-world environmental protection across Wales.
If you\'re detail-oriented, passionate about the environment, and ready to make a meaningful impact we d love to hear from you.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within the place base / location above and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
About us
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) prioritizes improving water quality through its corporate strategy, focusing on collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions to address pollution and ensure a secure water supply for the environment and people. NRW\'s strategy includes actions like implementing permitting water discharges, improving effluent monitoring, and working with partners to tackle pollution from various sources.
What you will do
- Determine the outcome of complex Environmental licence/permit applications through sound decision making for applications for their assigned regime by carrying out appropriate technical assessment in accordance with NRW policies and procedures where available, and issue, refuse or vary permits to time and budget.
- Determine applications using a range of technical guidance and technical software and/or modelling programmes as required by your assigned regime.
- Aid technical development of permitting officers within your assigned permitting team, through direct coaching and by supporting the delivery of the Technical Development Framework using your expertise in your related area.
- Represent the permitting team in your area of expertise on relevant internal technical groups, and internal/external stakeholder meetings.
- Act as lead for complex permit/licence determinations, including less complex nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Co-ordinate and lead in preparing defence in relation to legal challenges against permit decisions.
- Provide technical support in your subject matter area to operational teams to include pre-application advice and support the delivery of structured training as required.
- Contribute to improved efficiency and performance of the permitting team, identify opportunities for changes to process and guidance and support a culture of continuous improvement for both your assigned regime and for across regime working.
- 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).
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 of the relevant legislation and how it relates to the permitting process.
- Practical experience of assessing relevant licence/permit applications or using them in a compliance role.
- Track record of delivering timely optimal solutions by effective information analysis and risked based decisions.
- Experience of coaching and mentoring skills.
- Experience of customer service delivery and the ability to influence and persuade to achieve environmental outcomes.
- Experience of delivering process improvements/efficiencies.
Welsh language level requirements
- Essential: Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh
TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE \"APPLY NOW\" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Water Quality Permitting Officer employer: Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is an exceptional employer dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability, offering a collaborative work culture that values flexibility and employee development. As a Water Quality Permitting Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Wales' natural resources while benefiting from a supportive team environment and various professional growth opportunities. With a focus on work-life balance and continuous improvement, NRW is committed to fostering a rewarding career for those passionate about making a difference in the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Permitting Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Natural Resources Wales.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Natural Resources Wales and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Permitting Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Natural Resources Wales.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Natural Resources Wales will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Water Quality Permitting Officer at Natural Resources Wales. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Natural Resources Wales, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Natural Resources Wales that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
