At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide ecological advice on development proposals and engage with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, a leader in sustainable resource management.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a civil service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology or conservation and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 37594 - 41428 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £37,594 benefits including Civil Service pension scheme (Salary rising in increments to £41,428)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week Mon - Fri
Location: South Wales (Hybrid Working Available)
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is at the heart of making sure Wales' natural resources are being used sustainably so that future generations can benefit from them. Offering agile working, flexible working and remote working with generous annual leave allowances, civil service pension, CPD and a wide range of health & wellbeing benefits ensures that Natural Resources Wales remains an employer of choice for job seekers across Wales and beyond.
Yolk Recruitment is working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales to recruit a Species Advisor to join its Wales-wide Protected Species Team. This is a specialist advisory role, suited to someone with solid professional experience who can work independently, apply judgement, and engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide robust, evidence-based ecological advice on development proposals, including major infrastructure projects
- Advise on protected species licence applications and amendments
- Contribute to NRW's responses to Local Development Plans and strategic planning documents
- Assess whether proposals are fit for purpose from a conservation and mitigation perspective
- Negotiate outcomes with developers, local authorities and other stakeholders
- Support appeals, inquiries, and challenges to planning or licensing decisions
- Build and maintain strong internal and external working relationships
- Contribute to wider compliance, monitoring, and biodiversity resilience work
Job Requirements:
- A background in ecology, conservation, biology, geography or a related environmental discipline
- Practical experience of protected species ecology, conservation and mitigation
- A working knowledge of wildlife legislation and how it is applied in planning and licensing contexts
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences
- Confidence in negotiation and advisory discussions, balancing conservation needs with development pressures
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- A full, valid UK driving licence
Welsh Language Requirements:
- Essential: Level 1 - ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly and use basic Welsh phrases.
- Desirable: Level 1 - ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly and use basic Welsh phrases. If you do not currently meet the Level 1 requirement, Natural Resources Wales offers learning options and staff support to help you achieve this during your employment.
To apply:
To access the full job description, please contact Branwen Johns at Yolk Recruitment. To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV. A personal statement will be required but please discuss before submitting.
Closing date: 22nd February. Interviews are planned to be held on the 4th March.
Locations
Species Advisor in Cardiff, Wales employer: Yolk Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Yolk Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Species Advisor in Cardiff, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the ecology and conservation field, especially those connected to Natural Resources Wales. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of wildlife legislation and protected species. We want you to be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to NRW's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Practice explaining complex ecological concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with a variety of stakeholders during the interview and demonstrate your adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Species Advisor in Cardiff, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Species Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecology, conservation, and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to protected species. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about conservation and how your skills can contribute to our mission at Natural Resources Wales. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your information logically. We appreciate clarity as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yolk Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Ecology
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protected species and relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of ecological principles and how they apply to development proposals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with a variety of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex ecological concepts in simple terms, and think of ways to adapt your message for different audiences.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle negotiations with developers or local authorities. Think of past experiences where you successfully balanced conservation needs with development pressures, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Welsh Language Basics
Since there's a requirement for basic Welsh language skills, take some time to learn how to pronounce Welsh names correctly and pick up a few basic phrases. This will show your commitment to the role and respect for the local culture.