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

Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments (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. Your responsibilities include providing advice to internal and external stakeholders on topics such as nutrients, climate change, and marine energy developments. You will ensure advice is evidence-based, seek to improve the evidence base, manage evidence projects, and contribute to guidance for staff and developers. An important aspect is to help shape the strategic direction of NRW's work on marine and estuarine water quality.

NRW supports flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home, with a hybrid working pattern to be agreed upon appointment. Any face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

For informal inquiries, contact Kirsten Ramsay at Kirsten.Ramsay@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk. Interviews will be held on Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check. Appointments are typically made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

About us

This role is part of our Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Team, a multidisciplinary group of specialists dedicated to protecting and enhancing Wales's marine and coastal environments. We provide expert advice across various topics, supporting internal colleagues and external partners on policies, programs, and guidance. You will collaborate with other lead specialists and staff in the Sustainable Water and Nature Group.

What you will do

• Lead and manage complex issues requiring development of NRW policies, strategies, and guidance, including support on high-profile or contentious casework.
• Provide statutory advice to Welsh Government and UK government departments with marine responsibilities, reviewing and advising on policies and strategies.
• Maintain ownership of the marine water quality policy area, ensuring alignment with legislative and policy frameworks.
• Advise on evidence needs, commission evidence, and manage related projects according to the evidence program.
• Create and advise on guidance for NRW staff and external stakeholders.
• Keep informed of legislative, technological, and market changes affecting marine water quality and assess their implications.
• Provide specialist advice to NRW Programme Boards and contribute to NRW's Marine Programme.
• Manage engagement with Welsh Government on marine water quality policy areas.
• Commit to personal development through the Sgwrs plan.
• Undertake health and safety responsibilities and promote NRW's Equality Opportunities and Diversity policies.
• Perform any other duties appropriate to the role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills

Demonstrate the following using the STAR method:

• Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and other legislation related to the marine environment, especially water quality.
• Understanding of the priorities, drivers, and barriers faced by NRW and stakeholders in delivering marine and coastal ecosystem outcomes in Wales.
• Specialist technical knowledge of marine water quality.
• Experience in delivering evidence and guidance projects relevant to water quality.
• Experience in programme and project management, with relevant qualifications.
• Membership or working towards membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience representing the organization on high-profile or contentious issues.

Welsh language level requirements

• Essential: Level A1 (basic understanding and greeting skills in Welsh)

NRW offers learning options and support to meet these minimal requirements during employment.

Benefits

This role offers benefits including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions
• 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days
• Generous leave entitlements
• Commitment to professional development
• Health and wellbeing benefits
• Weekly wellbeing hour

NRW is committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourages applications from under-represented communities. We guarantee interviews for disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria. We promote equal opportunities and support Welsh language skills development.