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

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)

Salary
£45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments (pro rata for part time applicants)

About the Role
Take the lead in shaping the future of Wales’ upland and heathland landscapes. As Natural Resources Wales’ expert on upland and heathland ecosystems, you will spearhead the development of policy, strategic programmes, plans and guidance to turn national ambitions into real-world impact. Your work will translate Welsh and UK Government policy into ecologically robust, practical, on-the-ground approaches for nature recovery. Your expert ecological knowledge will contribute critically across habitat management, site assessments, casework, and statutory reporting for Wales’ uplands and heathlands.
You will collaborate with colleagues across NRW’s Evidence, Policy and Permitting and Operations teams, build strong relationships with Welsh Government officials, and work closely with partners and stakeholders across the sector. This role connects big-picture policy with real delivery—ensuring Wales’s uplands and heathlands are protected, restored and resilient for generations to come.
Natural Resources Wales supports flexible working. Any regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

Experience
- In-depth understanding of upland and heathland ecosystems and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.
- Working in a programme and project management environment with relevant experience and/or qualifications.
- Representing an organisation in high profile and contentious public issues.
- Sharing knowledge and expertise to support problem solving across teams.

About you
- Strong ecological expertise related to upland and heathland ecosystems.
- Ability to lead and project manage complex policy, strategy, plans and programmes.
- Excellent collaboration skills to work with Welsh Government, partners and stakeholders.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Willingness to engage in personal development through an agreed plan.

Qualifications
- Membership of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
- Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to biodiversity and government policy drivers.
- Practical understanding of the biodiversity sector and its partners in Wales.