Location
Central London with a suitable hybrid working pattern to be agreed on appointment. Regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£36,246 per annum

About the Role
Do you want to make a long-term difference to the people and environment of Wales? Are you passionate about protecting rare species? Join the Wales-wide Protected Species Team within the Development Planning Advice Service at Natural Resources Wales. You will provide expert advice on the potential impacts of a broad range of proposals on protected species, focusing on species licence applications and development planning advice. Your guidance will directly contribute to the conservation of some of Wales’ most iconic and endangered species during this critical nature emergency.

The role involves providing technical expertise and guidance on legally protected species including bats (all species), great crested newt, dormice, otters, natterjack toad, sand lizard, red squirrel, pine marten, and water voles. You will advise on Local Development Plans, nationally significant infrastructure projects, licence applications, and support compliance activities. You will also contribute to appeals, inquiries, surveillance, monitoring programmes, and multifunctional place planning such as Area Statements and biodiversity resilience plans.

Natural Resources Wales supports flexible working and is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. The role requires a commitment to health and safety, personal development, and adherence to organisational policies.

Experience
- Demonstrable knowledge of the ecology, conservation, and mitigation approaches for a range of protected species.
- Working knowledge of wildlife legislation and its application.
- Experience with the development planning process.
- Ability to provide robust, evidence-based technical advice to a variety of stakeholders.
- Experience in customer management and working collaboratively with landowners, partner organisations, and the public.

About you
- Enthusiastic, organised, adaptable, and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Strong presentational skills with the ability to write clearly for diverse audiences.
- Able to negotiate and work well in team and collaborative environments.
- Committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Able to legally drive a car in the UK.
- Willingness and ability to secure and maintain a licence to disturb protected species.
- Welsh Language Level 1 essential (able to pronounce Welsh and use basic phrases). NRW offers support to meet this requirement during employment.

Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in ecology, conservation, or a related field are expected.
- Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.