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Team / Directorate: Marine and Coastal ecosystems advice / Evidence, Policy and Permitting

Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)

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: 29/09/2025

Post number: 204012 (For office use: GGL / ENV / GRJ / TTJ)

The role

As Lead Specialist Advisor - Marine Water Quality you will be a skilled and motivated specialist, able to provide expert, evidence-based advice on marine water quality. In this role you'll provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders,covering a varied range of topics including nutrients, climate change and potential impacts of marine energy developments.

You will ensure that our advice is evidence based, look for ways to improve our evidence base and manage evidence projects. You will also write and contribute to guidance for staff and developers. An important part of the role is to help shape the strategic direction of NRW's work on marine and estuarine water quality.

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 Kirsten Ramsay Kirsten.Ramsay@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Interviews will be held on 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.

About Us

This role is part of our Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Team - a multi-disciplinary group of specialists passionate about protecting and enhancing Wales's marine and coastal environments. We provide expert technical advice across a wide range of topics, supporting both internal colleagues and external partners on strategic policies, programmes, plans, and guidance. You will work alongside other lead specialists in the team who advise on coastal habitats, marine habitats, marine mammals, maritime birds, marine and coastal physical processes and fish and you will also work closely with staff in the Sustainable Water and Nature Group.

What you will do

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes and guidance including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.
• Provide statutory advice to WG and other bodies in Wales as well as UK government departments with reserved marine responsibilities, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Retain ownership and oversight of marine water quality policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, UK Government and International Policy intent.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence and project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Create and advise on guidance for NRW staff and external stakeholders.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of marine water quality, identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Provide specialist advice to relevant NRW Programme Boards and contribute to the delivery of NRW's Marine Programme.
• Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on specific policy areas related to marine water quality.
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• 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.
  
  

• Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and other legislation related to the marine environment and specifically water quality; Welsh & UK Governments & other policy drivers on marine issues; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.

• Knowledge and practical understanding of how to overcome the complex priorities, drivers and barriers faced by NRW, partners and stakeholders involved in delivering marine and coastal ecosystems outcomes in Wales, with particular reference to water quality.
• Specialist technical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of marine water quality.
• Experience of delivering evidence and guidance projects or programmes relevant to water quality.
• 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/or working towards membership.
• Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
  
  

• Essential: Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)
  
  

• 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
  
  

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Industries

  Advertising Services

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