Lead Environmental Advisor - Habitat & Water Regulation

JR United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A public environmental organization in the UK seeks a Lead Environmental Advisor to manage habitat regulations and water frameworks. The role entails leading policies related to environmental assessments and working closely with government and external partners. Ideal candidates will possess in-depth knowledge of marine planning legislation, experience in stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver results efficiently. This position offers flexibility in working patterns and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions

28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days

Health and wellbeing benefits

Professional development opportunities

Weekly wellbeing hour

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental assessments and policy drivers.
• Knowledge of HRA and WFD assessments.
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex issues related to environmental assessments.
• Develop guidance material for environmental policy.
• Advise partners and review strategic policies.

Skills

Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to Marine Planning

Understanding of partners involved in infrastructure development

Experience in stakeholder engagement

Deep understanding of HRA and WFD assessment processes

Ability to work efficiently and deliver results

Membership of a relevant professional body

Experience representing organizations on high-profile issues

Willingness to support colleagues

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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Lead Environmental Advisor - Habitat & Water Regulation, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

06.08.2025

Expiry Date:

20.09.2025

Job Description:

Team / Directorate: Renewable Energy Advice Team / Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments (pro rata for part-time applicants)
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours/week (part-time, annualised, compressed hours, or term-time considered; discussions at interview)
Interview Date: 30/09/2025
Post number: 203995 ENV

The role

As Lead Specialist Advisor for Habitat Regulation and Water Framework Directive Assessments, you'll be a strategic environmental professional leading policies, strategies, and programmes related to HRA and WFD assessments. You'll ensure legislation is applied consistently to support infrastructure projects, especially in marine and offshore renewable sectors. You'll stay updated on policy, legislative, technological, and market changes, translating these into practical advice for NRW, Welsh Government, and the marine sector.

Collaboration is essential. You'll work with NRW's Marine Programme, Offshore Renewable Energy Programme, and build relationships with external partners, including Welsh Government officials, sector reps, consultants, and conservation bodies. This role reports to the Renewable Energy Advice Team Leader and offers the chance to influence Wales's marine environment positively.

We support flexible working; you will be contracted near your home NRW office with a hybrid pattern. Any face-to-face meetings will be scheduled in advance. Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will undergo a DBS check. Appointments are typically made within 4-8 weeks of the closing date.

About us

This role is within the Renewable Energy Advice Team in the Sustainable Places Land and Sea Group. You'll collaborate across NRW and with external partners, contributing to NRW's Marine Programme and Offshore Renewable Energy Programme.

What you will do

• Lead and manage complex issues related to environmental assessments, ensuring consistent understanding and application of policies.
• Develop materials for policy, advice, and guidance documents; lead new ways of working.
• Advise Welsh Government and other bodies, reviewing policies and strategies.
• Identify evidence needs, commission and manage evidence projects.
• Maintain knowledge of environmental assessments, considering legislative and technological changes.
• Participate in task groups to prepare specific products.
• Engage with Welsh Government on policy areas related to environmental assessment derogation.
• Support staff development through technical and legislative expertise.
• Collaborate on personal development plans.
• Undertake health and safety responsibilities.
• Uphold NRW's Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies.
• Engage in ongoing personal development.
• Perform other duties as appropriate.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills

Demonstrate using STAR method:

• Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to Marine Planning, environmental assessments, and policy drivers.
• Understanding of partners involved in infrastructure development in Wales and UK.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and delivering outcomes.
• Deep understanding of HRA and WFD assessment processes.
• Ability to work efficiently and deliver results.
• Membership of a relevant professional body or working towards it.
• Experience representing organizations on high-profile issues.
• Willingness to share expertise and support colleagues.

Welsh language level requirements

• Desirable: Level A1 (basic understanding and pronunciation of Welsh names).

NRW offers learning options to meet language requirements during employment.

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions.
• 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing benefits.
• Weekly wellbeing hour.

We value diversity and promote equality of opportunity. We guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities meeting minimum criteria. We encourage learning and development, and support Welsh language skills development. Our organization is bilingual and complies with Welsh Language Standards.