Location
Flexible within South Central Wales

Hours
Full Time - Hours to be agreed

Salary
£42,662 per annum

About the Role
As a Senior Forestry Programme Engineer, you will play a leading role in shaping and delivering the future infrastructure of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Working within Natural Resources Wales' Integrated Engineering Team, you will develop and manage a rolling five-year programme of civil engineering projects vital to sustainable forest management and timber production. This includes planning and delivering new forest roads, bridges, junctions, major forest tracks, and associated infrastructure across some of Wales' most unique and challenging environments.

This varied and influential role combines strategic programme management with technical engineering expertise. You will survey sites, develop engineering solutions, secure permissions and consents, prepare feasibility studies, and produce tender-ready project packages, taking projects from concept through to delivery. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Forest Operations and Land Management, as well as external stakeholders including Local Planning Authorities and SuDS Approval Bodies, ensuring projects are delivered safely, sustainably, and to the highest standards.

Beyond project delivery, you will drive engineering excellence by providing technical guidance, mentoring colleagues, and championing safe-by-design principles. Your work will directly impact maintaining access to forests, supporting national timber production targets, protecting environmental standards, and helping NRW deliver its commitment to the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources.

A full, valid UK driving licence is essential as regular travel across the South Central area is required, including frequent visits to remote forestry sites and infrastructure projects within the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Many locations are inaccessible by public transport, so the ability to travel independently is a key requirement.

Natural Resources Wales supports flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within the place base/location and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed upon appointment. Any regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance. Interviews will be held face-to-face during the week commencing 16 November 2026.

Experience
Proven experience in civil engineering with a focus on infrastructure projects, preferably within forestry or environmental sectors. Demonstrated ability to manage complex programmes including financial, scope, risk, and contract management. Experience in securing consents and permissions and engaging with multiple stakeholders including Local Planning Authorities and SuDS Approval Bodies. Strong project management skills with the ability to prepare and maintain project documentation and programmes.

About you
Strategic thinker with excellent leadership and mentoring skills. Committed to health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental objectives including CDM2015, UKWAS, and ISO14001 standards. Able to work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams. Strong communication and relationship-building skills to influence and engage stakeholders effectively. Flexible and adaptable to travel regularly to remote sites and work within a hybrid working environment. Committed to equality, diversity, and personal development through continuous learning.

Qualifications
A full, valid UK driving licence is essential. Relevant civil engineering qualifications and professional accreditation are expected. Knowledge of forestry infrastructure, sustainable management of natural resources, and environmental regulations is highly desirable.