Specialist Water Planning Advisor

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Resources Wales is seeking an experienced policy and water planning specialist to provide expert technical advice on water planning and sustainable management of the water environment in Wales.

You will shape national water policy and investment decisions, translate Welsh and UK policy into practical approaches, and collaborate with government, regulators and sector partners to support environmental improvement programmes and resilient ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to WFD; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in WFD; and the issues and opportunities in Wales

Responsibilities

• Prepare technical assessments, drawing on a range of complex information and data sources.
• Manage the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, statutory advice and guidance documents; Manage the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as Welsh Government, sector representatives and partners to ensure the timely and effective delivery of project, policy or strategy obligations.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Support engagement with sectors, partners, WG, Environment Agency, SEPA and NIEA, and be the lead point of contact for customer queries.
• Maintain knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy , together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Skills

Policy development

Water planning

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Job description

The role

Water is one of Wales' most valuable natural resources, and the decisions made today will shape its future for generations. In this influential role, you will provide expert technical advice and guidance on water planning, helping to deliver long-term, sustainable management of the water environment.
As part of our Integrated Water Planning Team, you will play a key role in shaping national water policy, planning and investment decisions. Your work will inform major frameworks, including water company business plans, long-term delivery strategies and environmental improvement programmes, ensuring they support wider environmental priorities and sustainable outcomes.
You will translate Welsh and UK Government policy, particularly the Welsh Government Water Strategy, into practical approaches that drive real-world results. Through technical assessments, evidence-based advice and strategic input, you will help develop policies, guidance and plans that influence how water is managed across Wales.
Working closely with colleagues across strategy, evidence and operational teams, you will also collaborate with government, regulators and representatives from across the water sector. You will build strong partnerships, contribute to complex discussions and help address some of Wales' most significant environmental challenges.
Success in this role means providing trusted technical expertise that shapes national planning and investment decisions, supports resilient ecosystems and contributes to the long-term protection of Wales' water resources. If you are looking for an opportunity to influence policy, work on nationally significant issues and make a tangible environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.
This post is fixed term until 03/12/2027 with the possibility of extension or permanency.As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

The role

Water is one of Wales' most valuable natural resources, and the decisions made today will shape its future for generations. In this influential role, you will provide expert technical advice and guidance on water planning, helping to deliver long-term, sustainable management of the water environment.
As part of our Integrated Water Planning Team, you will play a key role in shaping national water policy, planning and investment decisions. Your work will inform major frameworks, including water company business plans, long-term delivery strategies and environmental improvement programmes, ensuring they support wider environmental priorities and sustainable outcomes.
You will translate Welsh and UK Government policy, particularly the Welsh Government Water Strategy, into practical approaches that drive real-world results. Through technical assessments, evidence-based advice and strategic input, you will help develop policies, guidance and plans that influence how water is managed across Wales.
Working closely with colleagues across strategy, evidence and operational teams, you will also collaborate with government, regulators and representatives from across the water sector. You will build strong partnerships, contribute to complex discussions and help address some of Wales' most significant environmental challenges.
Success in this role means providing trusted technical expertise that shapes national planning and investment decisions, supports resilient ecosystems and contributes to the long-term protection of Wales' water resources. If you are looking for an opportunity to influence policy, work on nationally significant issues and make a tangible environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.
This post is fixed term until 03/12/2027 with the possibility of extension or permanency.As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams

About Us

The Strategy, Policy & Evidence Directorate provides the leadership, expertise and evidence that help shape the future of Wales' natural environment. We develop the policies, strategies, guidance and tools that enable sustainable environmental management and support informed decision-making across Natural Resources Wales and beyond.

What You Will Do

• Prepare technical assessments, drawing on a range of complex information and data sources.
• Manage the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, statutory advice and guidance documents; Manage the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as Welsh Government, sector representatives and partners to ensure the timely and effective delivery of project, policy or strategy obligations.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Support engagement with sectors, partners, WG, Environment Agency, SEPA and NIEA, and other Environment bodies in the UK; and be the lead point of contact for customer queries.
• Maintain knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy , together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

• Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to WFD; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in WFD; and the issues and opportunities in Wales