Location
Flexible - Contracted to the nearest Natural Resources Wales (NRW) office to your home with a suitable hybrid working pattern agreed on appointment.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£36,246 - £39,942 (Grade 5)

About the Role
Are you ready to make a real difference? Join Natural Resources Wales in a pivotal role where your scientific expertise will help protect Wales’ environment and public health, while supporting sustainable industrial growth. As an Industry Regulation Permitting Officer, you will assess complex environmental permit applications across a diverse range of large industry sectors in Wales, including refineries, waste incineration, food production, metals processing, and activities involving radioactive substances.

Using your strong scientific background, particularly in chemistry and maths, you will carry out robust technical assessments in line with legislation, technical guidance, NRW policies, and procedures. Your decisions to issue, refuse, or vary permits will directly influence how major industries operate, ensuring they meet environmental standards and adopt best practices.

You will work both independently and collaboratively, leading on specific areas based on your experience and becoming a trusted specialist within the team. Beyond permitting, you will engage with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical queries, contribute to work planning, and drive process improvements. You will participate in industrial cluster groups and help embed the principles of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) into regulatory frameworks, ensuring a forward-thinking, integrated, and impactful approach.

This is your chance to be part of a progressive organisation working at the intersection of science, policy, and industry — safeguarding Wales’ natural resources for future generations. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance. Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Experience
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and its application to the permitting process.
- Practical experience assessing licence/permit applications or using them in a compliance role.
- Proven track record of delivering timely, optimal solutions through effective information analysis and risk-based decision making.
- Experience coaching and mentoring colleagues.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to influence and persuade to achieve environmental outcomes.
- Experience delivering process improvements and efficiencies.

About You
Committed to Natural Resources Wales’ Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, you will be proactive in your own development using personal development plans. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You will be adaptable, forward-thinking, and motivated to contribute to continuous improvement and sustainable environmental regulation.

Qualifications
Welsh Language Level Requirement: Essential Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh). NRW offers learning support to help meet this requirement during employment.

Other qualifications are not explicitly stated but a strong scientific background, particularly in chemistry and maths, is essential.