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

Salary
Grade 6: £41,132 - £44,988 per annum (starting salary £41,132 rising through annual increments, pro rata for part time applicants)

About the Role
As a Specialist Advisor Terrestrial Ornithologist, you will provide expert advice on terrestrial birds to NRW’s Development Planning Advice Service on planning casework. You will lead the development of guidance, tools, and best practice for terrestrial bird planning casework, engaging with internal teams and external customers to deliver clear, practical advice that supports decision making. Working within the Terrestrial Species Team, you will advise on evidence needs and promote bird conservation across Wales, including involvement with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

This role supports NRW’s response to development planning related to terrestrial birds and involves collaboration with other technical specialists. You will manage the preparation of materials to inform NRW, Welsh Government, and partner policies, statutory advice, and guidance documents. You will liaise with external stakeholders such as Welsh Government, sector representatives, and partners to ensure timely and effective delivery of projects, policies, or strategies.

Additional responsibilities include advising on evidence needs, project managing evidence projects, supporting engagement with sectors and environment bodies across the UK, maintaining up-to-date technical knowledge, contributing to task and finish groups, and undertaking health and safety duties appropriate to the post. You will also be committed to NRW’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and your own professional development.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

Experience
- Detailed knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to terrestrial ornithology and development planning.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of the ecology and conservation of Welsh terrestrial birds, including mitigation and compensation approaches for development planning.
- Experience of technical analysis and interpretation of complex environmental information and large data sets.
- Experience working with statutory nature conservation bodies, local authorities, eNGOs, and public bodies.
- Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all management levels.
- Good written and spoken communication skills, able to represent technical and strategic aspects of Protected Species work to non-specialists concisely and effectively.

About you
- Excellent communication skills and experience preparing technical guidance for diverse audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and with external partners.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development.
- Member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
- Welsh language skills desirable at Level A1 (entry level), with support available to meet this requirement during employment.

Qualifications
- Recognised qualification, degree, or equivalent experience relevant to biological or environmental science.
- Knowledge of Welsh, UK Government biodiversity policy drivers and issues in Wales.
- Commitment to health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role.