The role

Do you have a background in an environmental science, sustainability or planning and want the opportunity to help shape the future of Wales?

We are looking for passionate people to join our Development Planning Advice Service. The Service is responsible for influencing both strategic land use plans and projects seeking planning consent. The work is varied, rewarding, and provides the real opportunity to influence sustainable development in Wales.

As a member of our "once for Wales" development planning Service, you will engage directly with Planning Authorities and developers on a wide variety of proposals including, energy, transport, housing, economic regeneration, tourism and agriculture. You will collaborate with technical experts across NRW to create and provide accurate, robust and influential advice on a wide range of topics including conservation sites, European Protected Species, flood risk, water quality, air quality, contaminated land, and landscape.

We're looking for a collaborative individual with strong organisation and communication skills and a keen interest in environmental protection and planning. Whether you’re looking to build experience in a meaningful and influential sector, or play a part in environmental protection through the planning system, this role offers professional development in the environmental and planning sector, contributing to improving the economic, social, environmental and cultural well‑being of Wales.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the NRW office in Cardiff and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

What you will do

• Produce Advice to Local Development Plans, including advice on their Strategic Environmental Assessment (with the support of the Development Planning Advisor (6) on technically complex, high-risk proposals) ensuring the advice is robust, evidence based and delivered to deadline.
• Produce Advice to preapplication enquiries, development management consultations, Development of National Significance and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (with the support of the Development Planning Advisor (6) on technically complex, high-risk development proposals) ensuring NRW advice is robust, evidence based and delivered to deadline.
• Preparation of information in relation to challenges against NRW development planning advice, including attendance at Appeals and Inquiries.
• Development of effective customer relationships (internal and external) and ensuring a good understanding of customer needs.
• Identify opportunities to influence local Development projects and plans at the earliest opportunity.
• Maintain auditable records of actions and outcomes to justify and demonstrate that all legal and procedural requirements have been met.
• 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.