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 (pro rata for part time applicants)

About the Role
As a Terrestrial Species Specialist Advisor, you will lead the development of guidance, tools, and best practice for terrestrial protected species planning casework. You will support NRW’s Protected Species Team by providing expert advice on terrestrial protected species related to planning applications, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Your role involves engaging with internal teams and external customers to deliver clear, practical advice that supports decision making. You will collaborate with NRW’s terrestrial mammals and herptile specialists to advise on evidence needs and promote species conservation across Wales.
This permanent role sits within the Terrestrial Species Team, a multi-disciplinary group providing strategic and operational advice to protect and enhance biodiversity. You will manage the preparation of materials informing NRW, Welsh Government, and partner policies, liaise with stakeholders, and project manage evidence initiatives. You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, technology, and market changes affecting NRW and the sector.
NRW supports flexible working arrangements, and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 06/10/2025.

Experience
- Detailed knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to terrestrial protected species and development planning.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of ecology and conservation of Welsh protected species, especially mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Experience in mitigation and compensation approaches for development planning.
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all management levels.
- Experience in technical analysis and interpretation of complex environmental data and large datasets.
- Experience working with statutory nature conservation bodies, local authorities, eNGOs, and public bodies.
- Good written and spoken communication skills, able to represent technical and strategic aspects to non-specialists.

About you
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Committed to continuous professional development and collaborative working.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver outcomes within agreed timescales.
- Supportive of NRW’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.
- Willingness to undertake health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role.
- Member of a relevant professional institution or working towards membership.
- Welsh language skills are desirable (Level A1 – Entry level), with support available to develop these skills during employment.

Qualifications
- A recognised qualification, degree, or equivalent experience relevant to biological or environmental science.
- Demonstrated understanding of biodiversity policy drivers in Wales and the UK.
- Commitment to personal development through an agreed Personal Development Plan (Sgwrs).