Senior Protected Species Advisor
Closing Date: 15 June 2025
Location: Cardiff or Bangor
Team / Directorate: Development Planning Advice Service/Operations
Starting salary: £41,132 rising to £44,988 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)
Interview date: To be confirmed
Post number: 203912, 203913
The role
Are you passionate about protecting Wales’ most iconic wildlife? We’re looking for an experienced ecologist to take on a senior role in our Protected Species Team, part of Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Development Planning Advice Service.
As a Senior Protected Species Advisor, you’ll lead on providing expert technical advice for the following range of legally protected species; bats, otters, great crested newts, dormice, sand lizards, natterjack toad, water vole, red squirrels, and pine martens.
Your work will have direct influence on planning and licensing decisions across Wales, contributing to national efforts to tackle the nature emergency. You’ll also mentor other team members, share your expertise, and collaborate with colleagues across NRW and beyond.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing expert advice on the ecology, conservation, and mitigation of protected species, with a focus on the above legally protected fauna.
Leading on complex development planning casework and species licence assessments.
Supporting and mentoring colleagues across NRW’s Protected Species Team.
Engaging with internal teams and external customers to deliver clear, practical advice to support their decision making.
Contributing to the development of guidance, tools, and best practice.
We’re looking for an organised, adaptable professional with deep ecological knowledge, strong communication skills and a collaborative approach. If you’re motivated by making a real difference for wildlife at a national scale, we’d love to hear from you.
Interviews will be confirmed at a later date.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
